Indianapolis, Indiana

Get in

By car

Indianapolis is known as the "Crossroads of America" for a good reason. Interstates 65, 69, 70, and 74 intersect here. The city's ring road is I465. Travel directly through the city on I70 or I65 can be hair-raising. Tourists should use I465 whenever possible.

By plane

• Indianapolis International Airport is about 10 minutes from downtown.

• Eagle Creek Aviation Services 4101 Dandy Trail. +1 800 4TP-E331.

• Greenwood Municipal Airport 749 E County Line Rd., Greenwood. +1 317 881-0887.

• Metropolitan Airport 10401 Willow View Rd., Fishers. +1 317 849-0840.

• Mt. Comfort Airport 3867 N. Aviation Way, Greenfield. +1 317 335-3371.

By bus

• Greyhound located right in the heart of the city. 350 S. Illinois St. +1 317 636-6666.

• Burlington Trailways travels only throughout the Midwest. +1 800 992-4618.

• Megabus is a well run budget busline that travels throughout the Midwest. Rates start at $1, and are more affordable the earlier you book your trip. Drops off/pick ups vary from two stops downtown and one at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. +1 877 GO2-MEGA.

By train

• Amtrak runs daily between Chicago and Indianapolis.350 S. Illinois St. +1 800 872-7245. Three days a week between Indy and Washington DC & New York City. Located right in the heart of the city.

Get around

It is almost impossible to enjoy Indianapolis without a car. While the public bus system is both clean and efficient, routes are complex, and large parts of the metro area are not serviced. Attempting to get around on foot or by bicycle is not recommended.

Car

The general speed limit on highways is 55-70. If there is no posted speed, assume 35. A car is necessary for almost all travel within the city.

Rental Car Companies

• Alamo +1 800 327-9633
• Avis +1 800 230-4898
• Budget +1 800 572-0700
• Dollar +1 800 800-3665
• Enterprise +1 800 736-8222
• Hertz +1 800 654-3131
• National +1 800 227-7368
• Thrifty +1 800 847-4389

Bus

Indy Go is the public bus system. It travels throughout the city and suburbs. They feature a Red and Blue line that is free and travels throughout downtown Indianapolis, it's a great way to see the area, visiting major landmarks. Day passes are available, and many buses feature bike-racks too.

Bike

Biking is easy due to the flat terrain. Indy offers a variety of bike paths throughout the city. Leaving marked bike paths can be extremely dangerous. Like many cities marked by urban sprawl, Indianapolis is not particularly bicycle-friendly.

Cab

Cabs are readily available mainly downtown and in Broadripple Village. Call ahead: Taxis generally cannot be flagged down.

See

Outdoors & Landmarks

• Indiana State Capitol 200 W. Washington St. +1 317 233-5293. Completed in 1888, this is the hub for Indy's government. Originally the state capitol was in Corydon, in Southern Indiana, and in 1825 it was moved to Indy. Featuring Italian Renaissance, Greek, and Corinthian design the building is made from Indiana limestone. Look up for the amazing German stained glass window, take guided or personal tours, observe the government at work, witness a protest or walk into a politician or two.

• Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument 1 Monument Circle. +1 317 232-7615. This is the famous statue right in the heart of the city. Built in 1902, it stands only 15 feet shorter then the Statue of Liberty. The art work built into the monument is moving - bloody Civil War battles and freed slaves. Miss Liberty on top faces South, protecting the North from the Civil War. In the basement is the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War museum, and you can take a ride up to the top of the tower to look out over the city. Museum is free, the tower trip costs $1.

• Indiana War Memorial 400 N. Meridian St. +1 317 232-7615. A seven-block district featuring the neoclassical memorial. The memorial features an amazing performance/lecture hall and a free war museum documenting all US Wars. Free.

• Scottish Rite Cathedral 650 N. Meridian St. +1 317 262-3100. Considered one of the worlds architectural masterpieces, it is the worlds biggest Scottish Rite cathedral. Take a tour and explore the huge pipe organ, floating dancefloor, handcrafted art glass windows, learn about the mystery of Freemasonry and grab a bite to eat in the cafe.

• Indianapolis Zoo 1200 W. Washington St. +1 317 630-2001. ($ parking) The zoo is part of the White River State Park, near downtown. The Indianapolis Zoo is home to the Dolphin Adventures Gallery and Dome. The underwater dolphin viewing dome is the first of it's kind. The Waters Building is currently closed for renovations which will feature a shark touch tank and an entire new "Oceans" exhibit. They also feature amusement rides, children's water play area, petting zoo, chances to ride elephants, donkeys, and horses as well. Zoo grounds are a non-smoking environment. Admission is charged for the Indianapolis Zoo, which also includes admission to White River Gardens. Community Tuesdays, throughout the year, also offer a discounted admission.

• Crown Hill Cemetery 700 W. 38th St. +1 317 925-8231. It's the third largest cemetery in the United States and is considered the "Best Walking Tour" in Indy by Indianapolis Monthly. Tours explore the Gothic Chapel and Waiting Station from the late 1800s and famous gravesites. You can also pick up a map at the office for free and explore the cemetery by foot, car or bike. Hundreds of soldiers are buried in a beautiful war burial ground. Famous graves include John Dillinger, Frederick Duesenberg, Booth Tarkington, James Whitcomb Riley, Colonel Eli Lilly, President Benjamin Harrison and others.

• The White River Gardens 1200 W. Washington St. +1 317 630-2001. ($ parking) The gardens are a part of the White River State Park. Over 3 acres of gardens and pathways along the White River. There is also the Hilbert Conservatory, which is the showplace for different flowers, plants, and special attractions (such as butterflies) throughout the year. The grounds to the gardens are non-smoking. Admission is charged for White River Gardens, and price includes admission to the Indianapolis Zoo. Community Tuesdays, throughout the year, offer a discounted admission.

• American Legion National Headquarters 700 N. Pennsylvania St. +1 317 630-1200. Situated in the heart of downtown Indy with a beautiful mall that reminds one of D.C. Check out the museum that features hundreds of World War I & II posters and artifacts, check out a diorama of Jessica Lynch's rescue, explore the grounds and learn about the Legions history.

• Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden 2505 Conservatory Dr. +1 317 327-7184. (Free parking) Located inside of Garfield Park, the Conservatory houses 10,000 square feet of plants from all over the world. The Sunken Gardens, built in 1916, are three acres of European classical formal gardens. Gardens change based on the season. Visiting the gardens is free, however guided tours are $1 per person.

• Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial 650 W. Washington St. +1 317 261-6646 (Free and $ parking). Monument that is part of White River State Park that pays tribute to over 3,000 Medal of Honor recipients. Ranges from Civil War through modern day clashes. It is made up of 27 curved glass walls, each 7-10 feet high, and etched with the names. It's quite breathtaking - especially at night! Free.

• Holcomb Observatory & Planetarium 4600 Sunset Ave. +1 317 940-9333. (Free parking) is located on Butler University Campus. About 10-15 minutes from downtown. It's one of the largest public observatories in the world, the 38-inch Cassegrain telescope is the largest in Indiana. Weekend tours are available only, since students use the observatory during the week. Check website or call for times. Private tours are also available. $3 for adults, $2 for children.

• Oldfields-Lilly House & Gardens 4000 Michigan Ave. +1 317 923-1331. An amazing home located on the grounds of the Indpls Art Museum. This is the former estate of the Lilly's (yes, of drug fame). Located on 26-acre grounds with a 22-room mansion, gardens and museum. Check out country estate living in the 1930s, and explore the beautiful home and antiques that the family acquired. The gardens are beautiful and feature many pathways and fountains. Be sure to also check out the garden shop where you can purchase plants grown on the grounds. Admission is free, although they may charge for special exhibitions.

Museums

• Children's Museum of Indianapolis 3000 N. Meridian St. +1 317 334-3322. (Free garage parking.) This museum is the largest children's museum in the world. In March 2006, it unveiled the Dale Chihuly's largest blown glass exhibit, Fireworks of Glass. It is a glass sculpture that rises 43 feet tall. Among the many ways to spend time in the museum, dig for "dinosaur fossils", catch a planetarium show, explore a log cabin from the 1800s, or ride the carousel. There are also temporary exhibits to check out as well. Admission to the museum is charged, but they do have a few days on the calendar for which admission is free. Also, Target sponsors free family nights on the first Thursday of every month, 4-8pm. Carousel rides extra.

• Indiana State Museum 650 W. Washington. +1 317 232-1637. The state museum's new home is one of the most beautiful in the country. Learn about the beginnings of Indy - from dinosaurs and fossil finds to the Civil War, World War II and so forth. Explore a hall dedicated to famous Hoosiers, enjoy the IMAX theatre, special events, and walk the grounds of White River State Park exploring the sculpture garden dedicated to the counties of Indiana. A must see. There is an admission charge to see the museum and IMAX, however you can get a combo deal as well. The museum is $7 (adults), $6.50 (senior), and $4 for children.

• National Art Museum of Sports 850 W. Michigan St. +1 317 274-3627. One of the largest collections of sports themed arts in the world. Check out over 800 pieces of art about over 40 different sports. Artists featured include Winslow Homer, LeRoy Neiman, Odgen Pleissner and more. Free.

• Museum of Miniature Houses 111 E. Main St, Carmel. +1 317 575-9466. This is a rare find, a museum that caters specifically to miniature homes, room boxes and vingnettes. They also have a gift shop and a children's play area. Very unique. $4 for adults, $2 for children. About 20 minutes from downtown Indy.

• Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art 340 N. Senate. +1 317 63-IMOCA.A coalition of local arts have come together to put together this beautiful masterpiece of galleries featuring regional, national and international modern art exhibits. Gallery is free, donations are accepted.

• Indianapolis Firefighters Museum & Historical Society 748 Mass. Ave. +1 317 262-5161. Learn about the founding and history of Indy's firefighters, check out the antique hand pumper, horse drawn fire cart, horse drawn steam pumper and more. Also be sure to visit the Indy Firefighters Memorial too. Free.

• Crispus Attucks Museum 1140 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. +1 317 226-2432. Located inside of Crispus Attucks school, this museum celebrates Indy's African American heritage with art galleries, school history, and student achievement.

• Indiana Medical History Museum 3045 W. Vermont St. +1 317 635-7329. Located in the old pathology building on the grounds of the now closed Central State Hospital - an ex-mental hospital that serviced Hoosiers for years, and might be haunted. It's the oldest pathology building in the country and is in the National Register of Historic Places. The museum offers a tour that shows off crazy medical equipment, preserved medical specimens, and so forth. Quite creepy, chilling and fascinating. $5 for adults, $4 seniors, AAA gets a discount, students under 18 are $1.

• James Whitcomb Riley Home & Museum 528 Lockerbie St. +1 317 631-5885. Visit the home where this legendary poet and author lived out the last half of his life. Riley wrote 'Little Orphan Annie.' The home has been featured in Architectural Digest and is considered one of the finest preserved Victorian homes in the country. Take a tour and see his belongings, antiques collection and history.

• Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art 500 W. Washington St. +1 317 636-WEST. (Free parking in the White River State Park underground garage.) The museum is the only one of it's kind in the Midwest. It features artists such as T.C. Cannon, N. C. Wyeth, Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, Allan Houser, Frederic Remington, Charles Russell and Kay Walkingstick. Located within White River State Park, check into a park pass for admission to all 7 of the park's attractions. Admission charged.

• President Benjamin Harrison Home 1230 Delaware St. +1 317 631-1888. So far, Indy's only president, serving one term (1889-1893). Take a tour of this Civil War hero's home, this beautiful 1875 home built in the Italianate Victorian school. It's three stories, and filled with antiques, art, political memorabilia and personal artifacts. The carriage house in the back features a First Ladies exhibit. Throughout the year they have fun events, that often include amazing reenactors, performing as Indiana historical figures. They also host Victorian murder mystery tours, a naturalization ceremony and the always fun croquet tournament.

• Indianapolis Museum of Art 4000 Michigan Rd. +1 317 923-1331. Recently reopened following a multi-million dollar renovation it's one of the most beautiful buildings in the country for fine art. It's one of the oldest art museums in the country, being founded in 1883, boasting over 50,000 pieces of a art and an amazing public art library. Exhibits include Contemporary Art, European Art, Asian Art, African Art and more. Rotating and travelling exhibits are abundant. Experience hands on exhibits where you can create your own art, walk the amazing grounds exploring the sculptures, gardens and homes, shop at the museum store and eat and drink at the IMA Cafe and Wolfgang Puck's namesake restaurant (this is the city he got his US start in). General admission to the museum is free, though they may charge for special exhibitions. On Thursdays and Fridays from 5-9pm, the museum has a special "happy hour" for hip and artsy socialites at Puck's featuring cocktails and hor'dourves.

• Conner Prairie Living History Museum 13400 Allisonvile Rd., Fishers. +1 317 776-6006 Settled in the 1880s, Conner Prairie is an Indiana tradition for the young and old learning about Indiana living 'back in the day.' With volunteers dressed in period-costume year round you are able to experience every aspect of the way of life - from blacksmithing to cooking, games and schooling, farming and church. Start at the modern museum learning about the science and anthropological history, then head to the living history museum featuring authentic buildings from the 1880s. Current exhibits involves Native American regional language sponsored by History Channel. In the summer the grounds feature 'Symphony on the Prairie' where one can picnic in the evening and enjoy live classical and pops performances. Halloween features haunted hay rides and the Holiday season includes dinners, candlelight tours and other celebrations. Restaurants on hand and a gift shop too. Parking is free. Admission is $11 (adults), $10 (seniors), $7 (youth 5-12) and free (youth 4 or under).

• Indiana Historical Society 450 W. Ohio St. 1+ 317 232-1882. An amazing place to visit for those interested in the people and places that make up every bit of Indy. Featuring a state-of-the-art research library, music room, film viewing room, gift shop and cafe. Special events include "A Century of Black Film," "Hoosiers In Hollywood" and "The Faces of Lincoln." Located snugly on the White River Canal. Free.

Sports

• RCA Dome Home of the 2007 Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts football team.
• Lucas Oil Stadium Future home of the Colts. All ready towering over the RCA Dome, the stadium will open in time for the 2008 NFL season.
• Conseco Fieldhouse Home of the Indiana Fever of the WNBA and the NBA's Indiana Pacers. Conseco Fieldhouse seats over 18,000 fans and regularly holds concerts and other events.
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame 4790 W. 16th St. +1 317 492-6747. Located inside the home of the Indy 500, this is the world's largest collection of racing, classic, and antique cars. Check out 30 of the Indy 500 winner's cars, a 20 minute film about the history of the race, a gift shop and cafe. You also can pay a few bucks to ride in a bus around the actual race track (at about 40 miles an hour, ha!). $3 for adults, $1 for children.
• NCAA Hall of Champions 700 W. Washington. +1 317 916-HALL. This is the headquarters of the NCAA, located in White River State Park. Explore the history of college athletics - from hockey to basketball, cross-country skiing to football. Check out a film about NCAA sports, and be sure to check out the spirit section - focusing on my personal favorite - the mascots. Gift shop too! $3 adults, $2 students, free for kids under 5.

The Arts

• Indianapolis Art Center was formed in 1934 and continues to be on of the Midwest's premier community art centers. With a multi-million dollar revamping the new facility was designed by Michael Graves (of Target fame). Check out one of the many local art exhibits, take an affordable art class, relax and read a book in the beautiful library, shop at the art gallery gift shop and don't pass up the amazing Arts Park located on the grounds. The Arts Park is based around the White River and the natural grounds. Every Summer you can check out the fun Broad Ripple Arts Fair, which features arts and crafts, food and booze, and live music galore on the grounds. Free.

• Madame Walker Theatre 617 Indiana Ave. +1 317 236-2099. Visit the headquarters for the first self-made female millionaire, Madam C.J. Walker (she spelled her 'Madam' without the "e"), built in the early 1900s, Walker came from cotton field beginnings to start her own line of beauty products for African American women. Visit the original salon where people still get their hair done, see a concert or play at the theatre, and take a tour of the grounds.

• Dean Johnson Gallery 646 Mass Ave. +1 317 634-8020. is the main hub and gallery for the renowned Dean Johnson Design group. Featuring exhibits from international, regional and local artists. The design group has designed logos and work for the NCAA, Kiwanis and other international events and businesses. A must visit for art and design lovers.

• Domont Studio Gallery 545 South East St. +1 317 685-9634. Local gallery and studio for artist John Domont. A beautiful space located in the historical Fletcher Place area. Check out the artist at work, and buy a piece. He specializes in modern Indiana landscapes.

• Stutz Artist Gallery 1005 N. Senate Ave. +1 317 833-7000. Originally built in 1918 as the home of the Stutz automobile. Now, it houses numerous local artists, businesses and meeting spaces. Check out the "show room" featuring a collection of Stutz cars (Elvis drove a Stutz, ya know) and have a bite to eat at the Loading Dock Pub.

• Harrison Center for the Arts 1505 N. Delaware St. +1 317 396-3886. Recently revamped gallery, art center, and conservatory. Check out countless art galleries, VSA Arts, the Nature Conservancy and the beautiful Redeemer Presbyterian Church. Local bands often perform here, and on First Fridays they open their doors to good sized crowds of local art lovers who wander the halls drinking, eating and checking out art and music. Great place to check out local art and local people.

• Herron School of Art & Design Galleries 735 W. New York St. +1 317 278-9418. Recently moved to the campus of IUPUI this is the home to Indy's biggest art school. Check out students studios, three galleries with regional and national art, and an outdoor sculpture gallery.

• Noel Studio/The Sanctuary 75 N. Main St., Zionsville. +1 317 733-1117. Studio of world-renowned artist N.A. Noel who is famous for her images of angels, children, Amish and more. Gallery features a cafe and gift shop too. Located in the arts community of Zionsville.

Do

Festivals & Events

• Early April Wild Onion Festival IUPUI University College Building. +1 317 752-5509. Springtime arrives with the growth of wild onions! Celebrate Native American culture in Indiana, celebrate the spiritual aspects, music, arts, storytelling, comedy, and a hog roast. Also, don't forget to play Native American stickball!

• Late April-Early May Indianapolis International Film Festival TBA Location. +1 317 513-9379 Indie films are hosted in non-pretentious environments. Meetings, parties, lectures, and of course films! The group also hosts films throughout the city, throughout the year.

• Early June Vintage Indiana Wine & Food Fest Military Park, 601 W. New York St. +1 800 832-WINE. Over a dozen Indiana wineries come together in downtown Indy, offering samples of their finest. Restaurants from the city participate as well, serving up samples too. Cooking classes show you how to cook with wine, and Indy's finest live music acts perform. There is a kid's activity area too for the under 21ers! Though it's rather not that exciting for the little ones.

• Mid-June Indy Jazz Fest Military Park, 601 W. New York St. +1 317 940-9945. A very popular event featuring jazz, blues, bluegrass, roots, r&b, zydeco, and fusion bands. Vendors also sell food and drinks. Past performers include Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt, Wynton Marsailes, BB King, Chris Isaak, Blind Boys of Alabama, Ray Charles, James Brown, and more.

• Late-June Eiteljorg Indian Market Eiteljorg Museum. +1 317 636-9378. The Midwest's largest festival celebrating Native American culture and history. Craft and art fair, performances, food and more.

• Mid-July Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration Downtown Indy. +1 317 925-2707. African Americans from all over head to Indy ever summer to celebrate life and culture. Lectures, community fairs, special events and don't forget the music - some of music's biggest starts come to town to celebrate. Everyone from Mary J. Blige to Public Enemy, Cameo to Barry White have made appearances. Traffic can be crazy and expect higher cover charges at nightclubs. Fun for the entire family.

• Early-Mid August Indiana State Fair State Fairgrounds. The biggest summer event in the state. A trip to Indiana isn't complete without a trip to the fair. Animals, crafts, art, rides, dancing, education, environmentalism, Hoosier Pride and FOOD!! I go at least 2-3 times within the two week period. They also have live music and concerts. Prairie Home Companion comes every other year.

• Late August-Early September Indy Fringe Festival On Mass Ave. +1 317 822-4386. A 10-festival of local, national and international theatre groups, performance art, visual artists and dance groups - uncensored and unique. Fun, entertaining, and unlike anything else. Events are held at venues in short walking distance from each other on Mass Ave. Great for all ages.

• Late August-Early September Rib America Fest Military Park, 601 W. New York St. +1 317 566-2118. Pig out on ribs, drink booze and listen to some tunes at this summer-time fest. A benefit for the March of Dimes, this is the national festivals stop in Indy. Last years performers featured REO Speedwagon, Hootie & The Blowfish and Charlie Daniels Band.

• Early-Mid September International Violin Competition +1 317 637-4574. Is an internationally acclaimed and attended contest.

• Mid-September Indy Irish Fest Military Park, 601 W. New York St. +1 317 713-7117. One of the funnest festivals of the year. Celebrate your Irish (or lack of) heritage with dancing, musical acts, food, booze, sheep herding, Civil War re-enactments, Celtic Mass, a toast contest, rugby, soccer/football, and a kilted mile! The festival has been featured on Food TV. Past performers include Gaelic Storm, The Prodidgals, and more.

• Late September Normandy Festival 1201 E. 38th St. +1 800 259-5856. A celebration of agriculture and good earth in Indiana. Enjoy the best of Indiana beer, wine, and food. Farmer's market, antiques, fine art and crafts, book signings, live music, hayrides, kids crafts (make your own tie-dye!), petting zoo and demonstrations.

• Early October Circle City Classic RCA Dome, 100 S. Capitol. +1 317 237-5222. Black college football's best teams come together to play great football and celebrate African American culture and influence in America. Music performances, special events, a parade...hundreds of thousands of people come from all over the country to enjoy the weekend in Indy. Benefits African American scholarships.

Outdoors

Indy Parks features information and links regarding all Indianapolis public parks. Below is an example of some of the cities finest - that attract visitors and locals alike.

• White River State Park 801 W. Washington St. 317-233-2434. (Free and $ parking) Home to the Indianapolis Zoo, White River Gardens, Victory Field, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art, Indiana State Museum, IMAX Theater, and NCAA Hall of Champions. It also has the Governor's Lawn near the river, which is host to concerts during each summer. Central Canal is also located within the park. Park passes are available for purchase, entrance to all 7 of the main attractions is included in the pass.

• Eagle Creek Park 7840 W. 56th St. 317-327-7110. On the west side of Indy, this park boasts many amenities, including a nature center, fitness course, fishing areas, and bird sanctuary. Fill your day with sailing, bird watching, fishing, rowing, hiking, swimming and much more. Only 10 minutes from downtown. Admission charged.

• Garfield Park 2345 Pagoda Dr. 317-327-7220. (Free parking) Oldest park in Indianapolis, established in 1881. Features include the Conservatory and Sunken Gardens, an Arts Center, MacAllister Center for the Performing Arts, Swimming pool and aquatic center, picnic shelters, pagoda, tennis courts, softball diamond, numerous trails, horse shoe courts, playgrounds, sledding hill and countless other park activities. Free to most activities.

• Holliday Park 6363 Spring Mill Rd. +1 317 327-7180. One of the oldest and coolest parks in town. Planted right on the White River with swamps, ponds, wildflower gardens, birdwatching sanctuaries, a renovated nature center, sculpture garden, and countless wildlife and plantlife. In the warm months parents take their kids to play on the best playground in the city, and locals picnic, lay out, read and host family gatherings at the extensive parkland. A great place to wade and rock collect too! 95 acres of trails and woodland, a must see.

• Riverside Park 2420 E. Riverside Dr. 317-327-7171. (Free parking) Founded in 1898, houses many athletic leagues, community activities and special events. It is situated on the White River. Amenities include a large family center, swimming pool, tennis courts, baseball & softball diamonds, boating, football fields and other sports fields and picnic areas. About five minutes from downtown. Free.

• Broad Ripple Park 1550 Broad Ripple Ave. 317-327-7161. Established in 1946, Broad Ripple park was originally an amusement park. Located on the White River. The park features a family center, swimming pool, playground, fitness trail, baseball diamond, tennis courts and boating. They have a great dog park, which does require a pass and proof of recent dog vaccinations. Everyday tons of dogs and their owners play in a well kept, fenced area. It can get very muddy when rainy or snowy. Located within walking distance of Broad Ripple Village. Activities are free, dog pass rates vary.

• Rent a paddle boat on the canal 801 W. Washington St. +1 317 233-2434. Rent a paddle boat and roam the lengthy water of the White River canal system. Explore tunnels and fountains, see fine outdoor art and people watch as you paddle around at your whimsy. Be sure to enjoy a popsicle at the ice cream stand after your trek.

• Picnic at James Whitcomb Riley's grave Bring a picnic basket and enjoy a sunset at one of Indy's highest points with one of Indy's most beloved authors, located on the grounds of Crown Hill Cemetery.

• Take a tour with Indiana Historical Society. 340 W. Michigan St. +1 317 639-4534. Located downtown, the IHS provides walking and bus tours of Indiana historical sites.

• Walk the streets of Lockerbie Located between North and Miami St in downtown Indianapolis. Dating back to 1847 it's the oldest surviving neighborhood in Indy. Featuring an amazing array of Victorian homes still maintained in their original beauty, mixed with some modern homes as well. Italianate, Federal and Queen Anne architecture line the streets. Visit the website for a walking tour map.

• Play croquet at President Benjamin Harrison's home 1230 N. Delaware St., +1 317 631-1888. A charity event hosted in June. Compete against amateurs and pros, celebrating Victorian heritage and enjoy lunch as well.

• Ride on a gondola Ohio Street Basin at White River Canal +1 317 491-4836. Available only during warm months, you can experience a bit of Venice in Indy. All ages are invited - for a public or private ride (private are more pricey). Each ride includes lovely Italian songs sun and a tour of the Canal. And yes, they wear the striped shirts, hats and red sashes.

Sports

• Indianapolis Motor Speedway 4790 W. 16th St. +1 317 492-6747. Is Indy's pride a joy sporting landmark. The worlds most famous car races take place here, including the Indy 500, Brickyard 400 and US Grand Prix. Check out the museum, or check out a race depending on your visit. Ticket prices aren't cheap to the main affair, but just attending one of the many practices or qualifications during the reason season (May-Sept) is well worth the experience. A must see when visiting Indy, for race lovers or not.

• Indiana Pacers, men's basketball 125 S. Penn., Conseco Fieldhouse. +1 317 917-2500. The scandalous and legendary Pacer's can be seen live and in person at their home court November-April.

• Indiana Fever, women's basketball 125 S. Penn., Conseco Fieldhouse. +1 317 917-2500. Indiana's own WBNA team - the Fever. One of the best teams in the country their games are played May-August, and tickets are affordable!

• Indianapolis Colts 100 S. Capitol Ave. +1 317 297-7000. Indy's Colt's take the stage at the RCA Dome August-January. Come watch the Colts defend their Super Bowl title.

• Catch a puck at an Ice game. 1202 E. 38th St. +1 317 925-4423. Indianapolis' Tier 1 hockey team, comprised of high school and college students. Tickets are cheap and fights are plentiful at our hockey games. They also feature funny theme nights - like Elvis Night - which are always entertaining. Tickets range from $11-15.

• Ride the slick track at Post Road Recreation Center. 4700 N. Post Rd. +1 317 897-7908. With three go-kart tracks be sure to pick the indoor oval. You chose you race car, and during the race they throw baby powder down on the track to make it more slick - causing you to slide, spin and experience true 'wet spots' on the track. They also have mini-cars you can race on the outdoor tracks. They have an unlimited $20 indoor track ticket you can buy. Also putt-putt, bumper cars, arcade basketball and a cafe full of junk food.

• Check out a basketball game at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Butler University. +1 317 940-8000. Butler's Bulldogs are one of the top teams in the NCAA, and this stadium is full of history. The movie "Hoosiers" was filmed here and the basketball fame of Hinkle is legendary amongst college sports. Tickets range from $5-20.

• See a baseball game at Victory Field. 501 W. Maryland St. +1 317 269-3545. Indy's is home to the minor league Indians, who are the farm team for the Pirates. It's been deemed the best minor league baseball stadium in the country. Pack a picnic and sit in the outfield next to the famous teepee during the game (and catch a few balls if you're lucky) or head into the stands. Check out half off games, where you can get hot dogs, chips, sodas and even Cracker Jack's for half off. (No, beer doesn't count, but the beers are big!) It's fun to talk, scream "hey batter batter" and watch the mascot shake his booty. Tickets are cheap too - $8-12.

• Play disc golf at Brookside Park. 3500 Brookside Pkwy S. Dr. +1 317 327-7179. Disc golf is a fun and challenging outdoor sport unlike any other. This is a great course.

• Drag race your car at O'Reilly Raceway Park. 10267 US Hwy 136. +1 317 291-4090. Yes, thats right. You can drag race your car (Whether it's a Dodge Charger from the 60s or a Dodge Neon, even a Yugo!) for a nominal fee and signing a waiver, don't forget your helmet. Drag race against fellow Hoosiers and get a time-card after each drag. This world famous quarter-mile drag strip is home to the NHRA US Nationals, and the oval hosts the NASCAR Busch Series. Public dragging happens once a week during the Spring-Fall. It's cheap/free to watch. All ages, but 18+ to drag.

• Indianapolis Tennis Center 150 University Blvd, IUPUI Campus. +1 317 278-2100. Play tennis on one of 24 indoor and outdoor courts. Private lessons available. This is where they host the RCA Championships every year.

• Dark Armies Paint Ball 2525 N. Shadeland Ave. +1 317 353-1987. Throw on your rented protective gear and grab your paint ball gun and shoot the crap out of strangers and friends alike. Located in a warehouse with indoor, outdoor and underground space., the playspace is painted black and musics is pumped through the building. Hideing spaces and team warfare contribute to you living out your wildest war-time fantasy. It's very cyber and apocalyptic. Be prepared for bruises the next day. Great for all experience levels and a good way to release some tension!

• Go bowling anytime at the 24 hour bowling alley, Beech Grove Bowl. 95 N. 2nd Ave, Beech Grove. +1 317 784-3743. Yes, 24-hour bowling alley. Located about 10 minutes south of downtown Indy. Pick up a plate of cheese-sticks and a couple of beers and bowl your brains out anytime. It's also located in a small burb south of downtown Indy that has a very "small town" feel. Very local. Games are cheap!

• Ride your bike at the Major Taylor Velodrome 3648 Cold Spring Rd. +1 317 327-8356. One of 18 velodrome tracks in the country, named after Indy's own African American bike superstar Major Taylor. Bring your road or track bike (no BMX) and your helmet and throw down $4 and you can race on the inverted track that Olympic superstars have tried out on. Perhaps you'll catch a race or one of many remote control car races they host too. There is a BMX park next door. Ages 10+.

• Ice skate at the World Skating Academy with countless other locals year round. 201 S. Capitol Ave. +1 317 237-5555. Cheap skate rental and pro shop. Two NHL sized ice rinks located right downtown. Originally built for the Pan-Am Games in the 80s. This is the best rink to see amateur and pro hockey and ice skaters practicing, and show off your own skills. Be sure to arrive early during the cold months, you might have to wait in line!

• See a soap box derby at Wilbur Shaw Soap Box Derby Hill. Starting in April check out hundreds of kids from Indy's soap box derby club battle it out for awards and placings. This is the longest soap box derby track in the country and was built in 1953.

• Go duckpin bowling at Action & Atomic Bowl. 1105 Prospect St. +1 317 686-6006. Experience a rare treat! Duckpin bowling is basically bowling with small balls and small wooden pins. A lot of fun for all ages and located in this entirely retro building is an extra perk. Neon lights, milkshakes, jukeboxes, beer and wine, sodas and pizza, poodle skirts and all, this is the real deal. The interior hasn't changed since the 1930s.

• Golfing anyone? here is a list of fine golf courses located throughout Indianapolis. We have many of award winning courses!
  • Brickyard Crossing 4400 W. 16th St. +1 317 492-6572. Shares space with the Indy Motor Speedway, four holes are inside the oval!
  • Buffer Park Golf Course 3825 S. Foltz St. +1 317 241-5046, IndyGolf.com users rated this as their favorite nine hole course in 2001. A well-maintained 3,411 yards from the Championship Tees.
  • Coffin Golf Course 2401 Cold Springs Rd. +1 317 327-7845
  • Crooked Stick 1964 Burning Tree Ln, Carmel. +1 317 844-9938. Has hosted Solheim Cup, US Women's Open and 1991 PGA Championship. Pete Dye designed.
  • Douglass 2801 Dr. Andrew J. Brown Ave. +1 317 924-0018. Built in 1926, few hazards and good for all levels.
  • Eagle Creek 8802 W. 56th St. '+1 317 297-3366. Built in 1975 by Pete Dye.
  • Heartland Crossing 6701 S. Heartland Blvd., Camby. +1 317 630-1785. 15 min. southwest of Indy. Designed by Nick Price & Steve Smyers.
  • Pleasant Run 601 N. Arlington. +1 317 357-0829. Built in 1922.
  • Riverside Golf Academy 3702 N. White River Pkwy. +1 317 327-7303. Lighted 9-hole course and lighted & heated driving range for year round golfing.
  • Riverside Golf Course 3502 N. White River Pkwy W. Dr. +1 317 327-7300. Built in 1901.
  • Sahm 6880 E. 91st St. +1 317 849-0036. Pete Dye designed.
  • Sarah Shank 2901 S. Keystone Ave. +1 317 784-0631
  • Smock 3810 E. Country Line Rd. +1 317 888-0036

Art

Includes art galleries, opera, classical and traditional music, dance, performance art.

• Indiana Repertory Theatre 140 W. Washington. +1 317 635-5277. Indiana's best theatre group performs in this architectural masterpiece of a theater! Two theaters provide different types of performances, and they're version of A Christmas Carol is a classic. Be sure to check out their Shakespeare performances. Dress up in your Sunday best and see a matinee to save some bucks! Cocktails are served! All ages.

• Wander the galleries on First Fridays. Mass. Ave opens it's doors every first Friday to local art lovers and novices. Explore the art galleries, theaters, restaurants and bars in this quirky and revitalized area of downtown Indy. Galleries service food and booze and schedule their collection openings around this time of the month. During the warm months outdoor musicians and performers take to the streets, adding to the atmosphere. Don't forget to skip north on Delaware to the Harrison Center for their opening too.

• The Phoenix Theatre 749 N. Park Ave. +1 317 635-7529. Founded in the early 80s, Phoenix has always been a theater to experience unique, thought provoking, open minded shows. From classics to world-premiers. Controversy is frequent! Rocky Horror, HAIR, Three Guys Naked From The Waist Down, Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, Six Degrees of Separation, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Vagina Monologues, The Laramie Project, Bat Boy: The Musical are only some of the classic and fascinating titles of past performances! Tickets range from $15-29. All ages.

• Kuaba Gallery 876 Mass Ave. +1 888 809-9179. Kuaba promotes modern African art. A portion of every sale goes to a non-for-profit that helps African orphans.

• LAMP Fine Art Gallery 719 Mass Ave. +1 317 624-9803. Local Artists Making Progression is what LAMP stands for. The only local gallery that caters strictly to promoting local artists in a salon style setting. The gallery walls are covered in art, and you can rifle through crates of art like you're at a record shop. A woman owned gallery, they offer affordable prices for great art and rental programs too.

• See a puppet show at Peewinkle's 25 E. Henry St. +1 800 849-4853. Indy's only puppet studio! 50-seat theater in downtown Indy provides entertaining puppet shows for all ages. Puppet are made in house. Call ahead to schedule a puppet workshop - learn about the art and history, make your own too! Tickets are only $8 and an extra post-show workshop is $3. Shows happen in the afternoons and early evening.

• Murphy Art Center 1043 Virginia Ave. +1 317 686-0895. 23 artists have galleries at this Fountain Square studio building. First Friday includes an open house. Some of Indy's most bright shining stars have galleries here.

• Wheeler Arts Community 1035 Sanders St. +1 317 916-8894. A collaboration of the city and the University of Indianapolis to provide affordable studio and housing space for students and artists. 36 loft/studios are housed here as well as a theater.

• Indianapolis Civic Theatre 3200 Cold Spring Rd. +1 317 924-6700. This is Indy's largest professionally managed theatre, which started in 1914. From comedies to drama, they host it all. Their performance of of The Crucible left me in tears, great company. Tickets range range from $24-32. All ages.

• American Cabaret Theatre 401 E. Michigan St. +1 317 631-0334. ACT is a cabaret-style theatre that serves food and cocktails during the performances. Many of the shows feature song/dance/acting routines with upbeat and fun-filled performances, they are also usually original pieces. Tickets are $20-25. All ages.

• Get involved with improv theatre Comedy Sportz 721 Mass. Ave. +1 866 91-LAUGH. A hilarious way to spend an evening! Comedy Sportz takes ideas thrown up from the audience and throws them into wacky and weird skits. Last time I attended I cried my eyes out. Drinks and snacks are served. When they request music ideas make sure to yell "porno music," it's quite funny. They have all ages and 17+ performances. Tickets are $14 adults, $12 students & seniors, $6 kids 5-11, under 4 are free.

• Beef and Boards Dinner Theatree 9301 Michigan Rd. +1 317 872-9664. For over 30 years B&B has been providing equity Broadway performances. Buffet dinner with cocktails is served during performances. Seasons range from classic Rogers & Hammstein shows to modern hits. Tickets range from $32.50-$52.50. All ages.

• Theatre on the Square 627 Mass Ave. +1 317 685-8687. Originally located in Fountain Square, the move of this theater to Mass Ave prompted the revitalization of this arts district. Community theatre at it's best with a varied selection of plays. Reefer Madness: The Musical, Southern Baptist Sissies are two of the shows for this upcoming season. A theatre for the more culturally aware and open minded! Tickets range from $15-25.

• Dance Kaleidoscope 140 W. Washington St. +1 317 940-6555. Performances take place inside the Indiana Repratory Theatre. Indy's contemporary dance troupe. Performances feature Martha Graham classics to director David Hochoy's own creations such as "Magical Mystery Tour" which features the music of the Beatles. Tickets range from $15-34.

• Indianapolis Opera Performances held at Clowes Hall - 4600 Sunset Ave. +1 317 283-3470. Indy's only opera troupe. Featuring the finest singers from the region and international fame.

• Circle City Sound Performances held every Monday evening at 7pm at Scottish Rite Cath. (650 N. Meridian St) and throughout the city. Indy's only barbershop performance group.

• Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Performs at Hilbert Theater on the Circle downtown. +1 317 262-1100. Indy's internationally acclaimed symphony. Check out the website to see what performances are happening. A great Holiday extravaganza takes place during the Christmas season and special guests are frequent.

• Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra Butler University. Performs at Clowes Hall Sunday and Mondays Sept-May. They are orchestra in residence at Clowes Hall which garnishes them plenty of experience and status. Four centuries of music are covered.

Music

Includes rock, punk, hip hop, top 40, soul, blues, jazz and all that goodness.

• Birdy's Bar & Grill 2131 E. 71st St. +1 317 254-8971. Local venue that caters to local, national and international acts. Big beer selection and overpriced barfood menu. Posters from bands who have performed there over the years plaster the walls and there are pool tables, video games, pinball and an outdoor beer garden. Local acts frequent this venue and past performers include Prince, Yo La Tengo, Jordan Knight, Califone, Frank Black, Matt Pond PA, The Stills and more. A great place to see major local rock bands like Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band and Virgin Millionaires. 21+

• Chatterbox 435 Mass. Ave. +1 317 636-0584. A local favorite and one of the oldest bars in town. It's a Mass Ave. staple that has walls graffitied with visitors and the bathrooms the same. Bring a marker. Drinks are really strong and they have a small wine menu with good choices and beers too. Live jazz is the thing here. The teeny tiny bar features a teeny tiny stage that caters to Indy's finest real jazz. This is the place to hear good simple old school jazz at it's finest. Smoke free early in the evening, and outdoor seating which is the best in town. Check the website for wine tastings and special events. Great place to mix with the locals - artists, journalists, musicians all call it home. Grab some Jamaican Patties while you're there. 21+

• The Jazz Kitchen 5377 N. College Ave. +1 317 253-4900. Voted one of the top 100 jazz bars in the world by DownBeat magazine, serving up jazz, salsa and American fusion food. Music six days a week...Wednesday features live jazz and soul/neo-soul/neo-jazz DJs, Thursday is Indy's biggest salsa night too. Cover ranges. 21+

• Melody Inn 3826 N. Illinois. +1 317 923-4707. One of the oldest bars in town has become the haven for punk rock and underground music in the city. Built in 1933, the bar features local relics in the decor, a back VIP lounge, the best jukebox in town and a friendly staff and group of regulars. Punk, indie, acid jazz, folk, rockabilly, techno, goth is the main beat here. They also have retro video games and pool. Drinks are cheap and hard, and the beer selection is unique and good sized. The house specialty is Pabst Blue Ribbon, and specials are usually $1.25 for a can. It is a great dive bar, however it can get very smoky. Cover ranges usually from $2-5. 21+

• Music Mill 3720 E. 82nd St. +1 317 841-1850. A great smoke free venue concert goers. There isn't a bad seat it the house, and they have a nice modern restaurant and fully staffed bars throughout the joint. Aside from hosting countless local and regional acts they also feature international groups as well. Past/present performers include: Gin Blossoms, Sister Hazel, Junior Brown, Antigone Rising, Dark Star Orchestra, Mudhoney, Over The Rhine, Cowboy Mouth, David Sanborn, Los Lonely Boys, Blues Traveller, Duncan Sheik, They Might Be Giants, and countless other acts. 21+

• Radio Radio 1119 Prospect St. +1 317 955-0995. Located in the heart of Fountain Square, Radio Radio is one of the nicest and cleanest venues for music in town. The cool bar, leopard carpeting and bathroom doors came from the once downtown Indy Planet Hollywood. Good beers on tap. Past performers include: Ben Lee, Big Sandy, Cat Power, The Cruxshadows, Deke Dickerson, The Frogs, Silkworm, Wesley Willis, Jets To Brazil, Los Lonely Boys, Neko Case, Pansy Division, VHS or Beta and countless others. They also have monthly film nights and hosts Rockabilly Rebel Weekend every year. Smoke-free 21+ venue.

• Slippery Noodle Inn 372 S. Meridian St. +1 317 631-6974. The oldest bar in Indiana since 1850. Originally it was a brothel, and it's now the best blues bar in the city. Steaks, homemade soup, baked potatoes, sandwiches and subs are the starts of the menu with a classic bar menu to boot. Beer, champagne, wine, and of course - hard liquor is poured with pride and the blues is local and national/international acts. There are still bullet holes in the wall from brawls in the 1800s. Dis is it. 21+

• Verizon Wireless Music Center 12880 E. 146th St., Noblesville. +1 317 239-5151. is Indy's biggest outdoor amphitheater. Concerts run May-September and in October they feature a crazy Halloween themed festival. This is where the famous Grateful Dead riots happened in 1995. Julia Roberts and Lyle Lovett got married here in 1993. A 30 min to hour long trip from downtown Indy. All ages

Other Fun

• Pig out at Trader's Point Creamery. 9101 Moore Rd. +1 317 733-1700. Indy's only grass-fed USDA organic dairy. They are always open with their self-serve dairy-shop (with a bucket you pay and take your change from - honesty basis!), and at 4pm you can watch the cows get milked au natural. Creamy milk, amazing yogurt (voted #1 by the American Cheese Society in 2005), ice cream, eggs and cheeses are all for sale. On the weekends they feature a farmers market and organic cafe. You can walk the grounds petting cows and chasing chickens. Fun for the family and eco-friendly folk.

• Drink hot chocolate at the Chocolate Cafe 30 Monument Circle. +1 317 951-4816. Enjoy the best hot chocolate in town at South Bend Chocolate Company's chocolate shop on the Circle. Cozy up with your pal/friends/special friend and a hot cup of cocoa. Perfect during the Holidays, so you can see the beautiful Christmas lights on the Circle.

• Fountain Square Family Film Festival The public parking lot on the corner of Morris and Shelby streets. Grab your lawn chairs (though they provide a few) and bring some snacks and drinks and enjoy a family friendly film with the Fountain Square community. Films are shown July-August and have featured classics like Big and Hard Days Night to newer films like Ice Age. Free! No booze allowed.

• Get creeped out at the Indiana Medical History Museum 3045 W. Vermont St. +1 317 635-7329. Set on the grounds of one of the countries most well known mental hospitals, Central State, which is now defunct, this is a creepy way to make any visit memorable. Take a tour and check out the collections. See Museums above for more gory details.

• Grab some popcorn at Just Pop In 6302 Guilford Ave. +1 317 257-9338 Indy's only popcorn shop is owned by two identical twin sisters. A cute teeny shop in Broad Ripple that offers up all types of flavors. Classics like "original" (you know, just good tasty popcorn!) and Caramel to the oh so tasty "Chocolate Karma" (chocolate covered popcorn!). They also sell gift tins and sampler packs.

• Have dessert at the Eagle's Nest 1 S. Capitol Ave. +1 317 632-1234. The Eagle's Nest is the highest dining room in the city, sitting atop the Hyatt downtown. The restaurant is revolving, slowly moving to show the best view of the city. The food is high priced and just okay but, get a table and enjoy a nightcap or dessert. Make reservations to see the sunset.

• Head to the flea market at the Fairgrounds 1202 E. 38th St. +1 317 927-1482 ($ parking) Is Indy's best monthly flea market, since 1976. Held once a month (weekends can change) at the State Fair Grounds, hundreds of vendors sell antiques, vintage goods, housewares and more. From Elvis records to a Victorian baby coffin. You can find it all. Free!

• Eat fried chicken at MCL Cafeteria 2730 E. 62nd St. +1 317 257-5425. Indy's finest cafeteria offers the best home-made cooking in town. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, chocolate meringue pie..and the list goes on and on. The 62nd St location is retro in design and attracts seniors, families and young people alike. AMAZING customer service - the staff is attentive and friendly. An Indiana tradition.

Learn

• Herron School of Art 735 W. New York St. +1 317 278-9400 One of the top art schools in the country, Herron is attached to IUPUI. 800 students attend full and part time in the new building on IUPUI campus and other areas of town. From art history to painting, photography to sculpture it's all covered here.

• University of Indianapolis 1400 E. Hanna St. +1 317 788-3368

Shop

Indianapolis is made up of various areas that feature unique and typical shopping alike. From Broad Ripple Village and Fountain Square - two unique areas, to typical suburban shopping malls and chains like Castleton. Every area has different options and chances to experience all levels of shopping. Below are some local, regional and national shops and districts that are frequented by avid shoppers.

Broad Ripple Village

About 20 minutes north of downtown. Broad Ripple is Indy's closest thing to "Greenwich." A big variety of vintage, hippie, trendy, and punk shops. Gift shops galore too. It's a great place for unique local fare.

• Another Time Vintage Fashions 828 E. 64th St. +1 317 255-1277. Great vintage shop that has affordable prices on clothing, accessories and shoes. Great selection of earrings and party dresses, friendly place too. Two stories of mens and womens vintage gear.

• Big Hat Books 922 E. Westfield Blvd. +1 317 202-0203. Indy's only independently owned general interest book shop. With a nice arts & crafts style decor, a great selection of books for all. They host special events (The Harry Potter pre-order parties are amazing!) and can special order anything. "Live large. Read."

• Broad Ripple Vintage 824 E. 64th St. +1 317 255-4135 One of Indy's best known vintage shops, they offer a wide variety of retro clothes - mainly 60s, 70s and 80s. Large array of t-shirts and accessories and drag queen sized gowns. They always are playing the Doors, and the decor is out of an old school head shop. Quite pricey, and we swear that prices go up around Halloween.

• The Bungalow 924 E. Westfield Blvd. +1 317 253-5028. Artsy gift shop featuring artsy kitchen, textiles, art and housewares. Local and international art pieces. Very cool store.

• Chelsea's 902 E. Westfield Blvd. +1 317 251-0600 Nice gift shop featuring everything from funky neon lights to funky salt and pepper shakers, frames, jewelry, and well, all things funky. Good place for finding cards for all occasions.

• Dinwiddies 6216 Carrolton Ave. +1 317 253-2219. Awesome clothing shop that is owned by a local designer. Reflecting trends in fashion and her own unique style - find one of a kind pieces at affordable prices. A cute place that is funky and fun. Women, men and children's clothes and accessories.

• French Pharmicie 823 1/2 E. Westfield Blvd. +1 317 251-9182. A very cool award-winning shop that features fashion, furniture and accessories. Carrying clothing by names such as Balenciaga, Acne, Stella McCartney and more. 18th century and modern creations in furniture, and accessories for your home and self - candles, shoes, bags, and more.

• Funhouse Guitars & Records 1051 E. 54th St. +1 317 205-9078. A cheap place to buy used records and CDs, as well as a selection of guitars and music equipment that is used. High quality instruments that are cleaned up, fixed up and in good working order. Nice selection of soul, country and alternative vinyl.

• Girly Chic Boutique 841 E. Westfield Blvd. +1 317 217-1525. Trendy cute boutique catering to ladies and children - clothing, furniture and accessories from unique designers from all over the country.

• Good Earth 6350 E. 65th St. +1 317 257-9463. Indy's oldest natural living store in town. Organic and natural food, health and accessories. Great place to stop by for a snack or for much needed groceries. Upstairs is a huge selection of vitamins and supplements, shoes and clothing too.

• Hardwicke's Pipe & Tobacco 743 Broad Ripple Ave. +1 317 257-5915 Indy's finest and oldest tobacco shop offering new and vintage pipe and tobacco equipment and every cigar and tobacco you can find. Very knowledgeable staff.

• Haus 5910 N. College Ave. +1 317 257-0659. Great clothing, housewares and furniture shop for women and children. Very cool clothes from all over the world. Great place for shabby chic fans.

• Indy CD & Vinyl 806 Broad Ripple Ave. +1 317 259-1012. One of Indy's most popular record shops specializing in independent musics and obscure finds. A wide selection of new and used CD's and vinyl. From indie rock to hip hop. Great selection of box sets and music-related DVDs. They also host instore performances, and is a great place to pick up fliers about upcoming shows and events.

• Luna Music 5202 N. College Ave +1 317 283-5862. Indy's finest local record shop. Featuring CDs, vinyl and collectibles - posters, t-shirts, etc. Great place to find rare imports and out of print gems. All genres of music with friendly staff, clean and hip enviroment.

• The Magic Bus 1073 Broad Ripple Ave. +1 317 251-5463. Indy's most infamous "smoking accessories" shop. Every type of smoking and hippie thing available is sold here - from pipes to hookahs, Grateful Dead memorabilia and that pack of patchouli that you might need for later.

• Missing Link Records 6053 N. College Ave. +1 317 466-1967. This is where Indy goes to collect vinyl. Thousands upon thousands of vinyl is sold at this staple of the Indianapolis music scene. Many young punks (myself included) got their start here, buying up 7" singles of their favorite bands and listening to music there. Missing Link doesn't only carry punk, they carry every genre and plenty of collectible pieces. From jazz to hip hop, new wave to heavy metal, folk to alt.country, they've got it all. Prepare to spend hours here.

• Pitaya 842 Broad Ripple Ave +1 317 465-0000. Women love Pitaya's homegrown jeans - trendy and stylish shopping since 1990 that provides women with an affordable place to get lovely trendy clothes. Voted best jeans in town numerous times!

• Red Rose Vintage 834 E. 64th St +1 317 257-5016. Red Rose is one of Indy's oldest vintage shops. Owned by a lovely lady named Ralph you'll find all types of gems in her little house. From flapper dresses to Victorian bustles, 80s parachute pants and rockabilly rebel western wear. Tons of accessories too! They also rent outfits for special events.

• Rusted Moon Outfitters 6410 Cornell Ave. +1 317 253-4453. Indy's finest outdoor shop for hiking, canoing, kayaking and camping. They offer a great selection of hiking boots, clothing, rope climbing accessories, and offer canoe & kayak rentals. Located within a 5 minute walking distance of the White River for easy access, and right on the Monon Trail!

• Turandot Decorative Arts 6349 Guliford Ave. +1 317 255-5969. A great gift shop selling unique and interesting jewelry, books, candles, kitchen items and fun gifts. A must shop for gift giving.

Castleton

Castleton is Indy's biggest shopping mall chock full of mall-chains, mall rats and mall food. Surrounded by mega-shops and a few local joints.

Fountain Square

Fountain Square is a historical area about a mile from downtown Indy, to the Southeast. Mainly comprising of antique, thrift and art shops.

• Antiques on the Square 1056 Virginia Ave. +1 317 916-8125. Indy's coolest antique shop, with two stories of antiques and kitsch. They have a lot of great retro/vintage goods, clothing and furniture. They celebrate creativity and uniqueness and are even pet friendly - so bring your pet with you to shop! They offer a AAA discount too.

• Arthur's Music Store 931 Shelby St. +1 317 638-3524. Arthur's is Indy's finest music instrument shop, focusing mainly on fretted instruments. From it's retro housing, it's been a staple on the Indy music scene since 1952. From guitars to banjos, duclimers to luthier's - you can find it all. A great place for on-site repairs and supplies too. A must see for any stringed instrument lover!

• Atomik 1024 Virginia Ave. +1 317 955-2665. Vintage consignment shop that sells retro clothes, housewares and furniture. They also sell art by local artists and host special events - they've hosted rock n' roll collector Tom Fountaine to show off his breathtaking Elvis and Beatles memorabilia.

• Dolphin Papers & Art Supplies 1043 Virginia Ave. +1 317 822-3846. Located right under the Murphy Arts Building you find Indy's best paper shop. Featuring beautiful, exotic, classic and lovely paper from around the world. They also make their own too! You can also find all your art supply needs. They also sell gifts, how-to-books, journals, and notepads.

• Indianapolis Downtown Antique Mall 1044 Virginia Ave. +1 317 635-5336. Chock full of antiques and collectibles. Furniture, primitives, glassware, country an antique art. A very nice mall, located next to Antiques on the Square.

Keystone at the Crossing & West

Is easily findable as "86th and Keystone." West includes shopping West of Keystone - Nora, 86th & Ditch, etc. Indy's high scale shopping district with fancy chains and boutique shops and restaurants.

• The Fashion Mall 8702 Keystone Crossing. +1 317 574-4000. This is the mall to see and be seen. The ritz and the wanna-be's shop at this classic Indy mall. Saks Fifth Avenue is the anchor with Nordstrom moving in next year. Other shops include Crate & Barrel, Tiffany & Co, MAC (Cosmetics), Sephora, Coach, Discovery Channel Store, Sony, Mac (computers), Williams & Sonoma and more. They also have a huge variety of locally owned boutique shops too. Locals often declare this mall has the worst food court in the city, so grab a bite before/after you leave.

• Frankey's 1300 E. 86th St. +1 317 580-1111. Indy's most trendsetting boutique that offers names like 7 For All Man Kind, Diesel, Nicole Miller, True Religion, Gaultier and more. Womens, mens and children's clothes.

• Global Gifts 1468 W. 86th St. +1 317 879-9090. Indy's only all fair-trade boutique. Meaning that artisans from all over the world receive a fair price for their work. Buy clothing, decor, beauty products, food, and unique gifts from Africa, Asia, Europe and beyond. A unique non-profit shop that supports third-world-countries artisans and talents.

• Luna Music 1315 W. 86th St. +1 317 252-5862. Indy's finest local record shop. Featuring CDs, vinyl and collectibles - posters, t-shirts, etc. Great place to find rare imports and out of print gems. All genres of music with friendly staff, clean and hip environment.

Mass Ave

A hop skip and a jump from the Circle, this area has went through an amazing rebirth to become one of the coolest shopping areas in town full of local shops.

• At Home In The City 434 Mass Ave. +1 317 955-9925. Voted Indy's favorite gift shop by Nuvo readers. Great selection of unique gifts and jewelry.

• Global Gifts 446 Mass Ave. +1 317 423-3148. Indy's only all fair-trade boutique. Meaning that artisans from all over the world receive a fair price for their work. Buy clothing, decor, beauty products, food, and unique gifts from Africa, Asia, Europe and beyond. A unique non-profit shop that supports third-world-countries artisans and talents.

• Luna Music 431 Mass Ave. +1 317 917-5862. Indy's finest local record shop. Featuring CDs, vinyl and collectibles - posters, t-shirts, etc. Great place to find rare imports and out of print gems. All genres of music with friendly staff, clean and hip environment.

• Out Word Bound 625 N. East St. +1 317 951-9100. Indy's only gay bookstore.

• Urbane Optical 429 Mass Ave. +1 317 396-0003 Independent eye & sunglasses shop. Funky boutique that offers trendy, artsy and super stylish glasses for all. Probably the only dog friendly eye-wear shop in the country.

Wholesale District

Is basically downtown Indy. The heart of the city. The main shopping attraction here is the mall.

• Circle Center Mall 49 W. Maryland. +1 317 681-5615. This is the mall that caused the big revitalization of downtown Indy. Shopping and restaurants fill up this mall. Flagship shops include Nordstrom and Parisian. Stores vary to feature Victoria's Secret, Banana Republic, Hot Topic, Forever 21, Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch, and more. This mall also features our beloved local H&M. The third floor has a movie theater and video game arcade. It's a nice mall, but on the weekends in the evenings can be overrun with underage kids all thugged out. At 11pm they have a curfew and they check IDs to make sure no under 18-year-olds are wandering the mall.

• Hardwicke's Pipe & Tobacco 20 N. Meridian St. +1 317 635-7884. The cities finest cigarette, pipe and cigar shop. Every type of those goods that is available here in the country is available from the knowledgeable staff and well kept shop. Vintage and antique smoking goods litter the walls and windows.

• Krieg Brothers Religious Supply House 119 S. Meridian. +1 317 638-3416. A must see! A legendary religious supply shop that has been in the same location for at least 30 years or more. Every kind of Christian worship item is seen here. From giant 6 foot long glow in the dark rosaries to Saint sculptures. Bibles and rosary rings, holy water and prayer cards. Despite your religion, it's quite a fascinating and overwhelming experience. The staff is friendly and open minded.

Suburbs North

Northern Suburbs include Carmel, Zionsville, Noblesville, Westfield and Fishers. These start anywhere north of 96th St. and are about 30 minutes from downtown. Shopping varies area to area.

• Clay Terrace 14300 Clay Terrace Blvd., Carmel. +1 317 566-0011. The first new outdoor mall in ages is located in the burb of Carmel. A well kept environment this mall has a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Shops include DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, Dick's Sporting Goods, Circuit City, Wild Oats, Sur La Table, Z Gallerie, Indigo Nation and White House/Black Market. The nice thing about this mall is it's lovely for a stroll when the weather is nice and a lot of the shops featured are unique to this mall and unable to be found anywhere else in the city.

• Brown's on 5th 315 N. 5th St, Zionsville. +1 317 873-2284. Gift shop that specializes in Vera Bradley bags. You can get new and old bags, in this collectors paradise. It's like Vera Bradley threw up and out popped this store.

• Captain Logan 150 S. Main St., Zionsville. +1 317 873-9999. Trendy and stylish antique and vintage store specializing in rare furniture and decor goods.

Suburbs West

Includes Speedway & Lafayette (parts of Indy incorporated) and Plainfield.

• Lafayette Square Mall 3919 Lafayette Rd. +1 317 291-6390. This mall, like the area around it, has fallen into disrepair over the past 20 years. The mall is big, with little stores however, and lots of fascinating retro architecture. Shops include Macy's, Bath & Body Works, Champs and Old Navy. There are also a number of local speciality and boutique shops. Many cater to hip hop culture and living.

• Metropolis 2499 Futura Park Way, Plainfield. +1 317 203-4555. A bizarre innovation in outdoor shopping, the Metropolis is the 'future mall.' With modern architecture and unique events, this is the latest mall in the region. Anchored by JC Penney and Dick's Sporting Goods, they also have Ann Taylor Loft, Barne's & Nobles, Coldwater Creek and more. They also have a huge movie theatre with 18 screens.

Eat

Splurge

• Amalfi's 1351 W. 86th St. +1 317 253-4034. One of the warmest and finest Italian restaurants in the city. Owned by Mario and Joni DiRosa, with help from Mario's mother Pina, both from Naples, serving mouth-watering homemade Italian food. Ravioli Pomodora and Pollo Al Marsala are two of the prime dishes on the menu. Joni greets visitors and Mario stops by the tables to greet visitors, making it a very lovely environment. Best tiramsu in the city. Vegetarian friendly.

• Chanteclair 2501 S. High School Rd. +1 317 243-1040. Located inside the airport Holiday Inn, Chanteclair is an Indy classic, the restaurant of choice for romantics. Traditional French cuisine that requires a jacket for men and business attire for ladies. A strolling violinist roams the tables playing romantic serenades tableside. Don't forget your left-overs, they wrap up doggie bags in foil to be shaped like swans.

• Cibo 5252 E. 82nd St. +1 317 577-9570. Originally known as Vizion, it's the restaurant and lounge beneath Gelo Lounge. Italian food, live music and a modern decor surrounds a wine depository in the middle of the room that rises into the ceiling. Upstairs in the Mezzanine local jazz acts perform. Thursdays a group called "Four Sexes" performs bossa nova and jazz versions of pop, new wave and alternative songs. Nice wine list! Vegan friendly.

• Corner Wine Bar 6331 Guilford Ave. +1 317 255-5159. A Broad Ripple staple that offers a plentiful wine list (hence the name) and specialty beer list. French inspired food with perfect portions. Their cheese crock is great - served with fresh apples in a bread bowl. They have a weekly filet mignon special where you can get a small filet for a mere $12.99 or so. They also have a special where you allow the manager to pick out a bottle of wine you like for $15 - tell them what you like, and out it comes, nice and unique choices. Their outdoor dining is some of the best in the city and the interior is lovely dark wood, small and intimate.

• Dunaway's 351 S. East St. +1 317 638-7663. Located in the old Indiana Oxygen Building, Dunaway's has won numerous local accolades for it's dining. The front door greets you with two old oxygen tanks, hollowed out to make beautiful lamps inspired by the art deco building they represent. Chef Dunaway offers the best crab cakes in town, live jazz three days a week, and the best rooftop outdoor dining in the city. Their wine cellar has won the prestigious Wine Spectator Award and is one of the best in the city. Reservations are recommended. Vegetarian friendly.

• Elements 415 N. Alabama St. +1 317 634-8888. An amazing restaurant. Modern in design, with beautiful art and stylish decor. Make reservations - this is one of Indy's hottest dining establishments. With a great location and a great ever changing seasonal menu. Incorporating local and fresh international food, Elements, as locals call it, is a great joint. The Kobe Beef is amazing, ice cream selections for dessert are heavenly and the side dish of fingerling potatoes are so tasty. A hip place to enjoy and be seen.

• Fleming's 8487 Union Chapel Rd. +1 317 466-0175. National group of steak houses that have one of the best wine lists in the country (Wine Spectator award and all!). Sit at the bar and ask enjoy the company of Jimmy, Evelyn or Curtis, three of the best bartenders in the city. The dark wood decor adds to a cozy feel. Great steaks, lobster and hor'dourves. They have great shoe-string fries for a side!

• L'Explorateur 6523 Ferguson Ave. +1 317 726-6906. Focusing mainly on seafood, this restaurant has won numerous awards declaring it the finest restaurant in town. The menu changes all the time, based on freshness and availability. They do offer meat and fowl dishes as well. Sweet Potato Ravioli and Duck Confit are only two of the fine options on the menu. They also offer a raw bar - with oysters and sushi. Beautiful design, nice location, very special place!

• Midtown Grill 815 E. Westfield Blvd. +1 317 253-1141. One of Broad Ripple's finest. Great steaks, wine and unique fusion cuisine. Fresh ingredients contribute to their ever changing menu. Their lobster bisque is the best, grill beef medallions with risotto, and the best dessert in town - white chocolate brownie. Great service and indoor/outdoor dining. Modern decor too!

• Mo's 47 S. Penn. +1 317 624-0720. Mo's serves great steaks, chops, chicken and seafood. The room is open air and wide, offering cigars for an after dinner...snack. They wheel a cart out full of meat and let you pick out your choice cut. Not a vegetarians ideal stop.

• P.F. Chang's Two locations, see below. World-famous Chinese-American fusion chain that offers up great food. Downtown is located in the Circle Center Mall, uptown is in front of the Fashion Mall. Both locations are decorated in modern Chinese-inspired decor and giant statues from Chinese history. The lettuce wraps are great for an appetizer, the wine list is good, and they have beer on tap! The dessert menu is small, but every treat is tasty. The north side location is frequented by shoppers and celebs - you'll often catch local Colt's players (Peyton Manning for example) grabbing a bite to-go after games. Downtown is busy at lunch and early dinner, so make it a late one. Dine at the bar for less wait time and faster and more attentive service. Vegan friendly.
  • Downtown - 49 W. Maryland St. +1 317 974-5747
  • Keystone at the Crossing - 8601 Keystone Crossing. +1 317 815-8773

• Palomino 49 W. Maryland St. +1 317 974-0400. Located right downtown in a prime location - at the mall, at the theater, at the RCA Dome. Modern design with Chiluly designed lighting. Palomino's European-melding cuisine is tasty and they have one of the best appetizers in town - "Crisp Potatoes Gorgonzola" a.k.a. waffle fries with gorgonzola cheese dripped all over them. Decadent! They also offer a Colt's Bunch before games on Sundays which offer tasty bunch fare and champagne and beers pre-game. Great location so you can walk to the game. Make reservations. Vegetarian friendly.

• R Bistro 888 Mass Ave. +1 317 423-0312. The weekly menu changes every week, Chef Regina has traveled the world and uses only the finest local ingredients. A small cozy spot at the end of Mass Ave. Reservations are a must for one of the finest in town.

• Rathskeller 401 E. Michigan. +1 317 636-0396. Indianapolis' best joint for traditional German food. One of Indiana's oldest buildings, the building was actually built by writer Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s grandfather. Originally housing the German Klub of Indianapolis, it's now a true German dining experience. Located right on Mass Ave. it's within walking distance of bars and theaters. Make reservations to enjoy potato pancakes, Jaegerschnitzel, and wurst. Tons of beer and wine available too including beers that are hard to find locally. Lunch time offers outdoor dining in the beer garden.

• St. Elmo Steak House 127 S. Illinois St. +1 317 635-0636. Downtown in Indy since 1902, the restaurant has went through some changes, but the biggest asset is the main room. Make reservations to dine in the main room/entry room/bar. This is the original restaurant, the walls are covered with celebrity photos including more car racing stars then the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's museum, artwork and memorabilia from the opening to present. Their shrimp cocktail features giant prawns and is the best in the city. The wooden bar is beautiful and the prep-chef sits in the window, serving up shrimp cocktails and preparing seafood and steaks for your viewing.

• Sullivans 3316 E. 86th St. +1 317 580-1280. Inspired by the famous boxer, 1940s decor offers up amazing steaks and seafood. Now smoke free, their bar is a great place to hear live jazz and watch a sports game. Bar menu is a tad different then the dining room. The bar menu features "The Cities Best Hamburger" and it is - thick, juicy and cooked perfectly. Also order a chocolate souffle when you order dinner, your taste buds will thank you. Vegetarian friendly.

• Taste 5164 N. College Ave. +1 317 925-2233. OK, we all enjoy high quality organic ingredients for breakfast. Taste has a stylish Ikea-esque minimal decor and outdoor dining on the hippest street in town, however, the food - organic or not - is overpriced as hell for what you get. The parfait is teeny, the Belgian waffle is tasty but tiny and though they offer vegan options, the food is quite expensive for the offerings. You're better off with breakfast at home. If you're into splurging for fancy breakfast treats, tea and coffee, this is your place. Yuppies swarm the place with reckless abandon.

• The Villa 1456 N. Delaware St. +1 317 916-8500. Built in 1906, the Villa is also a spa and bed & breakfast. It's like eating in a castle. The restaurant is small and reservations are a must. Quite possibly one of the best meals in the city, and the service is superb. The chocolate desserts are to die for, orgasmic is the best word to describe. The bar is small, and offers a checkers table. Great wine list too. Perfect for a romantic evening. Vegetarian friendly.

Moderate

• A2Z Cafe 4705 E. 96th St. +1 317 569-9349. Named after the owners and their child (Asraf, Antonio and Zulma) A2Z offers up tasty breakfast and lunch dishes. From oatmeal to crepes, omelettes and "build your own" breakfast, to babba ganouche, Divine Salmon Cake salad, and family namesake dishes (i.e. son "Antonio's pasta). Warm friendly environment for families and friends alike.

• Agio 635 Mass Ave. +1 317 488-0359. Located right on Mass Ave, serving Italian food from chef Joseph Heidenreich. Local art decks the walls and a covered patio offers outdoor dining rain or shine. Agio is very popular pre-shows - theatre and concerts, so make reservations or be prepared to dine at the bar or have a drink while waiting. Gay owned and friendly! Vegetarian friendly.

• Ambrosia 915 E. Westfield Blvd. +1 317 255-3096 Located in Broad Ripple, a family establishment for just that, and for romantic night outs, gatherings, and so forth. Owned by a tiny Italian lady who has kept it in the family since she moved here so long ago. Great Italian food and a bar next door. Great outdoor dining. Dress cute, jeans are very lame to wear here, and enjoy a nice, relaxing, homemade Italian meal. Elegant and light decor, Ambrosia is also a staple place to visit for visiting racecary drivers.

• Capri 2602 Ruth Dr. +1 317 259-4122 Locally owned Italian restaurant that is one of the stars of the city. The family is from Naples, and the food is fresh and delictable. Dine in the bar - a dark wooden collection of comfy couches and a few televisions. Live music all week and a nice wine list!

• Champps 8711 River Crossing Rd. +1 317 574-0333 Champps is a sports bar meets restaurant explosion. Indoor and outdoor dining, family friendly and bar friendly. The food ranges from American classics to fusion treats. Lots of beer to chose from. The biggest highlight of dining here is sitting in the booths facing the bar and watching karaoke that happens once a week. Drunk hoity toities get their rocks off and karaoke pro's sing the wails and woes of life to innocent victims. It's so funny you'll be crying. Vegetarian friendly.

• Claddagh Irish Pub Multiple locations, see below. Regionally owned Irish pubs that offer the biggest fish and chips in town, two pounds worth! The "chips" are dipped in sour cream then fried, and the Irish stew's base is Guiness. Downtown is 21+ and the other two locations have family and bar dining. Irish/English jams pump out through the stereo (from U2 to Loreena McKennitt to Radiohead) and Black and Tans are served a plenty. The stools are short, the whiskey is served from upside down pours, and the decor features Irish antiques and themed paintings.
  • Downtown - 234 S. Meridian St. +1 317 822-6274
  • North - 3835 E. 96th St. +1 317 569-3663

• Edelweiss Restaurant 8602 South Meridian Street. +1 317 888-6940. Located inside German Park on the far south side of Indianapolis, this restaurant is run by a private club (the German-American Klub) but is open to the public. Serves lunch Tuesday through Saturday and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Food is mostly Bavarian in style, with some American specialties on the menu with daily specials. Friday evenings often have live entertainment in the quaint Gasthaus-style dining room. There is also a Biergarten for dining on pleasant evenings. A ballroom on the upper floor is available for rental. Don't miss the Oktoberfest in German Park every Labor Day!

• India Garden Two locations, see below. Locally owned Indian restaurant that is considered the best in town. They have a lunch and dinner buffet that is legendary in Indianapolis. The downtown location is most populated at lunch, and the Broad Ripple location is chock full of hungry college students and Broad Ripple hipsters and vegetarians. Bring on the buffet! Vegan friendly.
  • Downtown - 143 N. Illinois. +1 317 634-6060
  • Broad Ripple - 830 Broad Ripple Ave. +1 317 253-6060

• Jonathan Byrd's Cafeteria 100 Byrd Way, Greenwood. +1 317 881-8888. The world's biggest cafeteria. Yes, cafeteria. Your wildest fantasies will come true here. Well, cafeteria wise. They also offer their food to go and desserts galore. Jonathan Byrd is a millionaire and also has one of the world's biggest collections if bibles. You can see some on display here too. Vegetarian friendly.

• Le Peep Multiple locations, see below. One of Indy's favorite places to have breakfast. Classics like oatmeal and biscuits & gravy. Breakfast served in skillets with names like "Hobo" "Gypsy" and "Desperado" these meals are hearty for any wandering traveller. Their omelettes are the number one in town, and their pancakes will leave you speechless (cause you'll be eating them so quickly). Have a sweet tooth? Try the King Cakes, a sweet tempting pancake. They also offer lunch fare too. Be prepared to wait, no reservations accepted. Only open for breakfast and lunch. Vegetarian friendly.
  • Carmel - 12213 N. Meridian St. +1 317 580-9193
  • Keystone at the Crossing - 8487 Union Chapel Rd. +1 317 259-8344
  • Castleton - 8225 Craig St. +1 317 576-0433
  • Downtown - 301 N. Illinois. +1 317 237-3447

• Luxor 1026 S. Virginia Ave. +1 317 Indy's only Egyptian restaurant also offers Greek and Italian cuisine - but stick with the Egyptian fare - it's amazing. Vegan friendly.

• Mark Pi's China Gate 1439 E. 86th St. +1 317 254-8839. A long time standard for great Chinese, Mark Pi is world famous - and he even created the "worlds longest Chinese noodle." Unlike most Chinese joints in town, Mark Pi's offers a nice sit down "upper" scale version of traditional Chinese. White table clothes and all. Oh, and don't forget the fancy aquarium. The service is just 'okay' but the food is great and don't forget the tastiest fortune cookies in town. Vegan friendly.

• Naked Tchopstix 6253 N. College Ave. +1 317 252-5555 Great Broad Ripple restaurant with a good location and late night dining. Offering Asian cuisine - Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Korean and the list goes on. A huge menu, interesting Japanese drinks (the sake-plum cocktail is superb!) and friendly stylish servers. A cute decor that reminds us of San Francisco. Nice portions, sushi bar, and a clean environment with good music on the stereo (Air is a popular choice). Indoor/outdoor dining. Great for large groups and a good place to drink heavy at an Asian restaurant.

• Santorini Greek Kitchen 1417 E. Prospect St. +1 317 917-1116. Winning numerous awards has put this Greek restaurant at the top of its game in town. The dining room is white and blue, art from Greece decorates the walls and belly dancers wander table to table. A small bar offers bar seating. Prepare to load up on potatoes, salad, and the best pasticchio in the city. Vegan friendly.

• Scholars Inn 725 Mass. Ave. +1 317 536-0707. Located right on Mass Ave. offering quick accessibility to bars and theaters. The decor is modern and the food is okay, but the location shines. Downstairs is proper dining and a bar for dining, upstairs is the bar where young people clamor for cheap martinis on Thursdays and half off wine bottles on Mondays. Smoking is allowed upstairs, and can be quite heavy. The dessert menu is outstanding; even if you eat dinner somewhere else along Mass Ave., it's worth it to come here for dessert. The drink specials and location shine; eat in the bar for better and faster service. Vegan friendly.

• Thai Cafe 1041 Broad Ripple Ave. +1 317 722-1008. One of the finest Thai restaurants in the city. Dine in or order it to go, watch Thai-themed films on hi-rez tvs in a teeny tiny restaurant. Arrive with plenty of time, there can be a wait. Not good for large tables, but if you have a party of 6 or less you should be okay. Great for couples. With 10 levels of spice, a good start level is 2. Amazing Thai ice tea, and the greatest padd thai in town. Mediocre service, but well worth it for the soup and spring rolls!

Cheap

• 96th Street Burgers 4715 E. 96th St. +1 317 844-6351 Numerous winner of best fast food burger and best fries and shakes. Indy's local take on the fast food joint - serving up tasty steak burgers, fresh cut skinny french fries and delectable fresh handdipped shakes. A super cool retro decor makes this the hippest looking fast food place in probably the Midwest.

• Au Bon Pain 901 Indiana Ave. +1 317 624-9123. Located just off campus at IUPUI, Au Bon Pain is a chain that offers tasty sandwiches, soups, salads and pastries. A simple and modern decor with mediocre service offers up a help yourself section and a 'made to order' section. Take your choice of countless pastries - muffins, scones, croissants and so forth. Sandwiches are good and the beverage choices even include organic drinks. After 4pm they offer a "half off" baked goods deal that allows to eat great pastries for cheap! Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy your carbs. Vegan friendly.

• Bazbeaux Pizza Multiple Locations, see below. Indy's finest gourmet pizza! Established in 1986, Bazbeaux is a local favorite. Downtown is perfect for that pre-theater or concert eat, and Broad Ripple is located snugly along the White River. Both locations offer indoor/outdoor dining. Art students and hip kids serve your eats - don't be surprised to see mohawk or two in the kitchen. I haven't been to the Carmel location! Their chicken BBQ pizza is amazing - BBQ sauce instead of tomato, and their Greek pizza is to die for. Vegan friendly.
  • Broad Ripple - 811 E. Westfield Blvd. +1 317 255-5711
  • Downtown - 334 Mass Ave. +1 317 636-7662
  • Carmel - 111 W. Main St. +1 317 848-4488

• Buffalo Wild Wings Multiple Locations, see below. This country-wide chain has great wings and boneless wings. Specials vary, and all locations have extensive beer on tap and bottled. Televisions slather the walls showing every sporting game going on, and you can also play trivia/poker/etc on the tele, which is quite fun.
  • Broad Ripple - 6235 Guilford Ave. +1 317 257-2999 - 21+
  • 86th & Township Line - 2514 Lake Circle Dr. +1 317 872-9464

• Chocolate Cafe 30 Monument Circle. +1 317 951-4816 Enjoy Indiana's favorite chocolate from the South Bend Chocolate Company at their Circle-side cafe. Yes, they serve only chocolate, sweets, coffees and sweet drinks. Check out the wall of celebrities who've indulged, and get educated on chocolate by the helpful and friendly staff. Watch fudge get made, sample the goods and enjoy the best hot chocolate in town. Vegetarian friendly.

• Donut Shop 5527 N. Keystone Ave. +1 317 255-3836 Indy's best donut shop. Our favorite joint to grab a fried disc of dough and hot bitter coffee. Breakfast and lunch is cheap and good - cheap biscuits and gravy, pancakes and eggs, and don't forget a freshly baked donut. One of Indy's favorite hang over and breakfast stops! 36 types of donuts.

• Fountain Diner 1105 Prospect St. +1 317 685-1959 Originally a Woolworth built in 1959, it's been revitalized amongst the rebirth of Fountain Square. Pop a squat on a stool at and check out old photographs of Indy and retro art, grab a hand dipped milkshake and and a burger and fries as you step back into time. You can also dine in the Fountain Room, which has a stage for performances, retro arcade games and huge vintage B-movie posters decking the walls. Those grilled cheeses are just as good as when you were little.

• Greek Islands 906 S. Meridian St. +1 317 636-0700. Opening in the late 80s by the Stergiopoulos (is that Greek enough for you?) family, Greek Islands offers great Greek dining in a small, cozy atmosphere featuring art, pictures and a feeling of being right at home with the family. Everything is freshly prepared by the family everyday and they have belly dancers! Vegetarian friendly.

• Heidelburg Haus 7625 Pendleton Pike +1 317 547-1230 Enjoy this German bakery's treats and sweets. German-born owners who have served great German eats since the 60s here in Indy. Real Black Forest Cake, sausages, potato salad, and more. Check out the gift shop with great German beer-lover gifts. The decor is filled with antiques and German decor. Authentic as hell and a great destination for simple basic German eats. Vegetarian friendly.

• Iaria's 317 S. College. +1 317 638-7706. An Indiana tradition, Iaria's is where you go when you're craving moms homemade Italian. Since 1933 the Iaria's have owned this Italian gem. With it's amazing building - neon lights greet you in and out, mirrored walls and teeny bathrooms - have been a staple in the city. This is the place joints like Buca Di Beppo base their restaurant on. Family style portions, the biggest "wall of celeb photos" in the city, and the biggest and best meatballs available outside of mom's kitchen. Vegetarian friendly.

• Indianapolis City Market 222 E. Market St. +1 317 634-9266. Indy's favorite historical landmark to dine at! Open only for breakfast and lunch stop by here for a great cheap meal. From Cajun to Greek, gourmet potatoes and roast beef sandwiches. Tons of restaurants and merchants make this a multi-level historical edible experience. Dine outside to enjoy the historical area and watch the locals buzz around on their lunch breaks.

• Mug-N-Bun Drive-In 5211 W. 10th St. +1 317 244-5669. One of Indy's only surviving drive-in's that doesn't have the word "Sonic" in it. Serving up an award winning pork tenderloin and a world famous "bacon cheeseburger on toast" this is a destination for all greasy food loving Hoosiers. Employees arrive at 7am to start preparing the root beer that lures people from all over the state. Famous racecar drivers are known for making an appearance here during race season. A must visit! Cash only.

• Peppy Grill 1004 Virginia Ave. +1 317 637-1158. An institution in 24 hour feasting. Greasy spoon is an understatement. Take a seat at the Peppy, try to sit in the main room, where you sit next to the tiny open kitchenette where tattooed ladies serve up piping hot "sour cream fries" and burgers. Great cheap as hell breakfast lunch and dinner to serve a hangover. Good pie too. Regulars involve cops, drunk gays and artists, hungover hipsters and local folk. Good country jukebox with lots of old school tunes.

• Red Eye Cafe 250 S. Meridian St. +1 317 972-1500. One of the few non-chain 24-hour restaurants downtown. A haven for alternative types during the weekend "party fest" of downtown Indy. Board games are offered at every table, beer and wine is available. The food varies from breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sandwiches and great fries. Sit back with free wi-fi and watch drunks stumble in from the street and cops chug coffee next to you. Quite a place to people watch in the evening! Vegetarian friendly.

• Rene's Bakery 6524 Cornell Ave. +1 317 251-2253 One of the premier bakeries in Indianapolis, in a little house in North Broad Ripple and owned by a pastry chef named Rene! With an expansive menu that is freshly baked and changes daily based on seasonal availability and Chef Rene's own mood - you'll find so many lovely treats! Scones, croissants, muffins, cookies, truffles, eclairs, tortes, tarts and breads in many flavors! Great place for a quick snack or to pick up a lovely breakfast. It's just a bakery - no seating, but when the weather is nice you can sit outside or relax on one of the many benches on the Monon Trail.

• Ripple Bagel & Deli 850 Broad Ripple Ave. +1 317 257-8326 Broad Ripple's only locally owned deli - with the only steamed bagel sandwich in town. Hippies work the counter and the bagels are fresh. Look for the giant bagel clock over the door! Vegan friendly.

• Shalimar 1043 Broad Ripple Ave. +1 317 465-1100 One of Indy's finest Indian restaurants featuring a great affordable buffet. Chock full of yuppies and Broad Ripple hipsters. Vegan friendly.

• Shapiros Delicatessen 808 S. Meridian St. +1 317 631-4041. There are two locations, but the downtown is the one to go to. Indy's finest Kosher cuisine is served up at this cafeteria daily. This is the real deal - serving up mile-high sandwiches - including the best corned beef on rye in the state. Great potato pancakes, mac and cheese and the selection of pies and cakes is enough to make ones head explode. Grab a Dr. Brown's root beer or cream soda and enjoy.

• Side Wok Cafe 1087 Broad Ripple Ave. +1 317 722-1090 Good, affordable Chinese located in Broad Ripple. Clean, friendly and basic good food. Vegan friendly.

• Three Sisters Cafe 6360 Guilford Ave. +1 317 257-5556 Three Sisters has withstood the changes of Broad Ripple. Offering vegan friendly breakfasts - from classics eggs and sausage to tofu treats and omelettes. Located in a lovely old home just off Broad Ripple's main drag, enjoy outdoor dining for breakfast and lunch in warm months and a relaxing and quaint indoor dining experience, featuring local art and nice folk tunes through the speakers. Great for an affordable, healthy bite to eat. Vegan friendly.

• Yats Two locations, see below. Indy's top restaurant for Cajun food. Sharing two locations, owned by a New Orleans native transplant, you'll feel like you're in the Cresent City. Large quantities of limited meals are offered up each day - and each is so tasty you'll be content. Pig out on great Cajun eats in a fun artsy environment. Vegan food available too! Hipsters and punks serve up your meals and sodas are refillable and mere $1. A great deal for a lot of enjoyable food. One word: Jambalaya. Cash only. Vegan friendly.
  • Broad Ripple - 5363 N. College. +1 317 253-8817
  • Downtown - 659 Mass Ave. +1 317 686-6380

Drink

Coffee

• Abbey Coffee House 825 N. Pennsylvania St. +1 317 269-8426. One of the city's oldest locally owned coffee shops. Has one of the largest vegetarian/vegan menus in the city. Live music on many weekends. Free wi-fi.

• Corner Coffee 251 E 11th St+1 317 916-9805. Large coffee house on the old north side. Features 2 large rooms with comfy couches and chairs. Spoken word/poetry event on Thursday nights.

• Cornerstone Coffee 651 E. 54th St. +1 317 283-1360. Local coffee shop that offers full menu, pastries, tea and coffee of course. Indoor and outdoor seating, connected to Moe & Johnny's bar.

• Hubbard & Cravens Coffee Co. Two locations, see below. H&C has their own warehouse where they custom-roast all their own beans and import over 20 types of coffees. Considered the finest coffee in town by some.
  • Broad Ripple - 4930 Penn. Ave. +1 317 251-5161
  • Broad Ripple - 6229 Carrollton Ave. +1 317 803-4155

• Lazy Daze Coffee House 10 S Johnson Ave +1 317 353-0777. Located in the historic Irvington neighborhood just a few miles east of downtown. Its just south of Washington St and attached to the Irving Theater. Small but cozy, this coffeehouse features live music almost every weekend. Outside seating available. Free Wi-fi.

• Mo'Joe Coffee House 222 W. Michigan St. +1 317 822-6656. Located by IUPUI providing coffee and tea and so forth in a clean modern and cozy environment. Live music too. Free wi-fi.

• Monon Coffee Company 920 E. Westfield Blvd. +1 317 255-0510 Independent coffee shop, free wireless access.

• Net Heads Cybercafe 1011 E. Westfield Blvd. +1 317 257-6635 One of the few cybercafe's in town. It's cheap to use one of the many super nice computers with your own private speaker. Aside from internet access you can play one of many video games - online and off (i.e. World of Warcraft, Doom, etc). They serve chips and hot dogs, soda, coffee and BEER! Open early and late.

Booze and Cocktails

To drink and get into bars you must be 21+. Bars close at 3am. Alcohol cannot be bought at liqour stores on Sundays. Age requirements vary and are listed below.

• 501 Eagle 501 N. College Ave. +1 317 623-2100 Hardcore gay leather bar that shows porn on the TVs and pool table upstairs. For serious enthusiasts of the leather. Leather events, charity events and theme nights are regular.

• 7 6235 N. Guilford Ave. +1 317 257-7743. This is the bar that Jermaine O'Neal of the Pacers built. Right in the heart of Broad Ripple, it's the most stylish and hip of the nightclubs there. Inspired by Vegas and Miami, it features various bars and private VIP service - call ahead and request a private VIP table with a bottle of high end booze and you'll get your own private bartender too. DJs spin top 40, hip hop, house music and dance. Rumor has it a lot of the Pacer's hit the club after homegame's in the VIP lounge. 21+

• Alley Cat 6267 Carrollton Ave. +1 317 257-4036. This is the #1 dive bar in the city, according to every poll, award and every heavy drinker in town. Located in Broad Ripple (yes, down an alley) it's the bar you have your first drink at, the bar you meet your first one night stand at, and in my sisters case - your husband. No windows, smoke ridden, and open at 7 am for breakfast till 3 am for dinner. A great jukebox ("Ace of Spades" by Motorhead is the number one requested song), legendary bar staff, numerous pool tables, and the hardest drinks in town. Sometimes bands play too. A place you know will never change. Vegetarian friendly. 21+

• Blu 240 S. Meridian St. +1 317 955-8585 Another night club to jump on the whole "Miami inspired ultra lounge" wave. Theme rooms and leather couches, oh and don't forget beds for lounging on. DJs pump top 40, appetizers are served and you can call ahead to reserve space and "VIP" treatment. Martinis are the house speciality. 21+

• Bourbon Street Distillery 361 Indiana Ave. +1 317 838-3316 Always an after work staple, the Distillery has evolved into a bizarre bar. Offering a cajun fare of spice and heat in downtown Indy - the downstairs is a standard pub and upstairs is a mix of a living room and a nightclub offering a Bourbon Street style balcony that is heated year round. Aside from having tasty food, the Distillery is a house for house music, top 40 and live music.

• Broad Ripple Brew Pub 840 E. 65th St. +1 317 253-2739 Indy's favorite "British" pub. Located snugly in Northern Broad Ripple, the neighborhoods namesake pub brews some of the best beer in the city. It was the first brewpub in town, and is the oldest microbrewery in the state. If E.S.B., India Pale Ale, Lager, Porter and Bitter falls into your vocabulary then this is the place for you. Good food - Scotch Eggs, bangers and mash - and one of the best vegetarian menus in the city. Smoke free finally, with a friendly and familiar bar staff. Indoor and outdoor dining makes this one of the busiest lunch and dinner spots in the area. They also have real darts (not plastic). A must visit!! All ages

• Brugge Brasserie 1011a E. Westfield Blvd. Broad Ripple. +1 317 255-0978 The only Belgian restaurant in the city. Amazing food and beer. Sit at one of many indoor/outdoor tables - what are those holes for in the table you ask? Frites of course! The best Belgian Fries in the Midwest. Chose one of your many dips - garlic mayo is the gem. Order a crepe, sandwich or perhaps some mussels and pig out. Don't forget one (or more) of their award winning microbrew Belgian ales. Watch European football on the television and enjoy great music (Nick Cave!). Reservations are recommended, this place gets packed fast. 21+

• Claddagh Irish Pub (downtown) 234 S. Meridian. +1 317 822-6274. Regionally owned Irish pubs. The one downtown is a bar, so no kids allowed. The closest thing to Ireland - short stools and all. Grab a pint of beer and some amazing fish and chips and listen to live Irish music and watch some sports on the televisions. Can get crazy on the weekends, so check it out during the week and sit at the bar to watch them poor some black and tans. 21+

• Coaches 28 S. Penn. +1 317 917-1191. Popular for lunch and after-work meet ups, Coaches celebrates just that - sports and coaches. A nice wooden pub located right downtown with high tables, video games and jukebox, and of course sports on the TV. Live music and DJs offer entertainment on the small stage and outdoor seating is nice during the warm months. Thursdays is $2 pint night, and the beer choices are good and plentiful. They also serve food - and lots of it. Great place for lunch and a brew in the afternoon. Vegetarian friendly. 21+

• Deano's Vino Restaurant & Wine Bar 1112 Shelby St. +1 317 423-3154. Located in the heart of Fountain Square, Deano's started out originally as a wine shop. Now it's an award-winning restaurant and wine bar. A relaxing atmosphere decorated with local art (many of it from the local art galleries next door), seasonal menu items with sandwiches for lunch and regional themed dinners. The wine bar is filled with wine/beer memorabilia and a visitors Wall of Fame. Stop by on Thursdays when local DJs spin chill out jams and locals enjoy drinks. All ages. Vegan friendly. All ages.

• Elbow Room 605 N. Penn. +1 317 635-3354 Located inside of just that, an Elbow shaped building just north of Mass Ave. With a bar and a restaurant, outdoor dining too, the Elbow Room is a great meeting place for lunch or pre-club or show dinner and a drink. American fare with nice twists on sandwiches. Good fish and chips! Vegetarian friendly. All ages

• English Ivy's 944 N. Alabama +1 317 822-5070 An Old Northside (thats the historic district downtown) institution. Not much natural light, but plenty of Christmas lights decorate this bar and pub. Swing music on the jukebox, art students and gay men loiter away the day - enjoying drinks and good food. Vegan friendly. 21+

• Front Page 310 Mass Ave. +1 317 631-6682 Located on Mass Ave's far west end, the Front Page is a great stop for late lunch and after work drinks. From 4pm-5pm the Front Page offers half off appetizers - so eat greasy food like a king and enjoy cheap beers. A few tables litter the street for warm weather outdoor dining/drinking, and the bar inside offers karaoke once a week.

• Gelo Ultra Lounge 5252 E. 82nd St. +1 317 577-9570. Used to be called "Vapour" it's inspired by Vegas style clubs. With the only ice bar in town, plasma screens showing dance films/videos/mood videos, and VIP areas. The dance floor is teeny, and the DJs spin a mix of Top 40 hits from all decades and house music. DJ John Larner is one of the countries most respected house DJs. Grab a bite to eat downstairs at the Italian restaurant, Cibo, and and call ahead and reserve a VIP room in the bar - you'll get your own bottle of vodka for a flat rate and all the mixers and your own private bartender to drink up. They specialize in martini's and their Cosmo's are the best (and most hardcore) in town! They rarely have cover, which is nice. 21+

• Jillians 141 S. Meridian St. +1 317 822-9300. The Chuckie Cheese for adults, if you will. This chain features a restaurant serving a variety of American-based cuisine, a hibachi restaurant, and a dance club. Then, littered with bars, is the huge arcade room featuring retro and current game systems, a dance club, and a crazy bowling alley with dance lights and cocktails. Drink prices aren't too cheap, and honestly, the best time to go is when you can have the place to yourself on a rainy afternoon. Drinking and Dance Dance Revolution, woo! 21+ Vegetarian friendly.

• Kellerbar at the Rathskellar 401 E. Michigan. +1 317 636-0396. Located inside the Rathskellar German restaurant the Kellerbar is the downtown place to drink beers from around the world and sop it all up with German food. During the warm months, this is one of the busiest bars in town. Get there early to enjoy a quieter beer (or two, or three, or four), the bar opens up in the afternoon and you can enjoy their in-house brew (the Dunkel is amazing) outside in the Bier Garden or inside in the cozy oak bar that emulates a German castle. Later in the evening on the weekends cover bands rock out in the garden and drunk college students go wild.

• Living Room Lounge 934 N. Penn. +1 317 635-0361 A downtown semi-dive bar that offers the type of karaoke that you plug your ears, cover your eyes and ask yourself "Why God why?" then you get on the microphone yourself. Jaegerbombs's are $2 on Thursdays. With cheap specials you'll become a regular yourself quickly. Students, business folk, art students, gays and punks all make up this unique mix.

• MacNiven's 339 Mass Ave. +1 317 632-7268 One of my favorite places to eat and drink. Indy's only Scottish pub, owned by a Scotsman with a vegetarian wife. Real haggis and blood pudding - and the nice thing is that they offer vegan haggis too (a vegan friend describes it as "tasty but salty"). Comfort food at its best - fish and chips from heaven, Beef McHatten, and James Bond in the mens bathroom (Ladies we get Sean Connery and Braveheart). Restaurant on one side, street side seating and a bar on the other side. Scottish antiques, flags, and the biggest best beer menu in town. Oh, don't forget the Scotch! 18+

• Metro 707 Mass Ave. +1 317 639-6022 Pub that caters to Mass Ave. gays, straights and in-between. Laid back, casual environment with a pub downstairs and a modern pool hall upstairs. Their karaoke is legendary - featuring people who really can sing. Listen to gay boys sing most heartwrenching ballads ever. Upstairs they also feature a sex/bdsm shop for kinky goods. Speaking of kink, food is served too! 21+

• Mo's Loading Dock 1045 N. Senate. +1 317 637-2680 Located inside the Stutz Art Gallery the Loading Dock is just that - an old Loading Dock for the Stutz car factory. Resident artists and workers stop in for lunch, a smoke, or perhaps a drink throughout the day and evening. Cheap specials, Monday's is .50 draft night, and good food. They have great chicken fingers which are rolled and fried in Cap N' Crunch cereal. Live music too. 21+

• Moe & Johnny's 5380 N. College Ave. +1 317 255-6376. A popular bar for Butler students and Broad Ripple residents. Big screens pump sports games from all over the world - we watched the World Cup here - and the huge bar offers plenty of room for eating and drinking. Pool tables, pinball and that crazy golf game are here too. Nice outdoor seating that offers some of the best street-watching in the city. The best buffalo chicken sandwich in the city. Great beer specials!

• Nicky Blaine's 20 N. Meridian St. +1 317 638-5588. Martinis and cigars are the main attraction here. With a 1930-40s feel from the dark plush interior.. A lot of businessmen and businessmen-loving-women attend here, as do early-night partiers, and the night-cap types. Once a month they have a meeting called "Meet The Mistress" which features local Dominatrix's having cocktails with interested folks. Fascinating mix and serious cocktails. 21+

• Old Point Tavern 401 Mass Ave. +1 317 634-8943. Great location on Mass Ave for eating before a performance. We go here on a regular basis - meeting friends, chatting till they close (around 1 am), bathing in the red neon light, listening to alternative music on the stereo. They're nachos are legendary - a huge pile of nachos with every topping (vegetarian is the most popular choice) imaginable will feed 3-4. The freshest and healthiest bar food in town - hummus, parfaits, bean sprouts, sandwiches and fresh salad. Great desserts, drink specials - lots of beer! Friendly staff and perfect outdoor dining too. It's hard to find a seat outside once 5pm rolls around during warm months. They have a great muzak channel that plays all new wave and 80s alternative - the only place you'll hear Morrissey on the stereo.

• Plump's Last Shot 6416 Cornell Ave. +1 317 257-5867. This pub is owned by Bobby Plump, who threw the winning Hail Mary shot in the Milan 1954 game that is immortalized in the film "Hoosiers." It's been described as a "boho sports bar" which is a good, yet cheesy, name for it. The type of sports bar that hippies, artists, and jocks can come together without a problem. And only one tv. Yes, one TV. A huge outdoor deck in this small house, that has indoor dining too. A good jukebox that is pumped outdoors and the best hush puppies this side of the Mississippi. Friendly staff, friendly locals. We'll hang out here for hours during the summer on the patio. Very dog friendly. 21+

• Red Key 5170 N. College Ave. +1 317 283-4601. An Indianapolis legend, this is where Ben Affleck filmed his first motion picture. You'll walk in to this joint and think you're back in WW II. It's been owned by the same folks since then. Model planes hang from the ceiling, awesome vintage art, and pennies on the ceiling that get tossed up and pulled down for donation each year (and thousands of them, seriously). A beer is served with a small glass and unique cheap eats are on the bar menu. There are rules here - don't put your feet on the chairs or booth seats, hang your coat up on one of the hooks, and don't get too obnoxious or you're out. They'll ask you politely of course the first time. A must see for lovers of classic bars. By the time you leave you'll be a regular.

• Talbott Street 2145 N. Talbott St. +1 317 931-1343. In the old Talbott Theater building is Indy's most popular gay dance night club and drag show cabaret. With modern design and three bars, it's never a dull moment. Gays, straights, androgyny, punks, art schoolers, celebrities and parties - it's a great venue that anyone can feel comfortable at. Fridays is 80s night and drag shows with the "Legends" drag troupe is the best is the city. Saturdays is house, techno and top 40 dance remixes all night long in the main room and drag shows in the Legends Lounge. I like to grab a drink at the upstairs Sky Bar and observe the insanity on the dancefloor. Bring plenty of cash to tip the drag queens and heavy pouring bartenders! Cover ranges from free-$5. 21+

• Ten 1218 N. Penn St. +1 317 638-5802. Indy's only gay-girls bar. Dark, smoky, and no outdoor lighting - the dive of the gay bars, and it's one of my favorites. Ran by a group of women, who have been there since day one, who offer a safe, clean and fun environment for gay women, men and everyone else who wants to feel comfortable someplace. Top 40 DJ's spin, vendors sell goods, the dancefloor is packed. Drag king shows and open mic nights. Thursdays is the most insane - cheap cover and half off drinks, and we mean every drink. From margaritas to Jack and Coke to Newcastle. Great place to meet like-minded ladies! Cash only, 21+

• Therapy 605 E. Market St. +1 317 632-0325. Modern design with local artists displaying their works on the walls of this simple and sleek joint. Two rooms - main room offers major techno/dance/house/trance DJs - this is the venue for the genre - the best DJs in the world tour through. The lounge features chill out on major event nights, and during the week offers up the best local DJ talent. Tuesdays is dark industrial called "electro Faktory" and Thursdays is "Keepin' It Deep" featuring world-class house DJs Slater Hogan and John Larner spinning house, underground hip hop and soul, trip hop, britpop and more. 21+

• The Unicorn 122 W. 13th St. +1 317 262-9195 Indy's ONLY male strip club. Yes, men, stripping. It also has the biggest cast of male strippers in the Midwest, so never a dull moment. Ladies and gays flood the Unicorn 7 days a week. It is a private club, yearly memberships are available - but of course there is an option for guests. You're welcome there any night, just donate, depending on the evening ($2-5). Mondays feature the famous drink and drown, where you play a flat cover and drink all you want. Check out the hot bods and drink yourself into a frenzy. Life is good. 21+

• Union Jack Pub Two locations, see below. There are two locations of this English pub, the best being in Broad Ripple. This location offers family and bar dining. Both rooms are littered with well placed English and local antiques and artifacts. Busts of great English minds greet you in the bar and televisions show sports. They have the best "Chicago Style" pizza in the city. Thick, hot and amazing. Great beer selection and weekly specials. They also have a great selection of whiskey and scotch! Friendly bar staff. The Speedway location is drenched in racing memorabilia, a huge bar with good music and lots of tvs!
  • Broad Ripple - 924 Broad Ripple. +1 317 257-4343
  • Speedway - 6225 W. 25th St - +1 317 243-3300
• The Varsity 1517 N. Penn. +1 317 635-9998 A dark divey bar that attracts a fascinating mix, old gay men, art students, and businessmen. Lunch and dinner features good greasy bar food and the drinks are decent. TVs, pool, darts, arcade and karaoke too. Smoke filled with a special place in our heart. 21+

• The Vault 120 E. Market St. +1 317 964-0400. Modern night club with good drink specials. Features a wide variety of music during the week and weekends. Tuesdays is indie music night, First Wednesdays is fetish night, Thursdays is goth night, and on the weekends is hop hop and soul music. The only dance club in the city that offers alternative dance nights. 21+

• The Vogue 6259 N. College Ave. +1 317 259-7029. Originally a movie theater built in the 1930s, in the 70s it opened up as a music venue and nightclub. Now, it's the place for college kids to get wasted on the weekends and dance to top 40 and retro tunes. You'll also find great live music and past acts include: Cheap Trick, Johnny Cash, David Byrne, The White Stripes, Common, Sean Paul, The Faint, VHS Or Beta, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams III, The Black Keys and more. Cover varies. 21+

Wineries

• Chateau Thomas Winery 6291 Cambridge Way, Plainfield. +1 317 837-WINE. About 20 minutes from downtown Indy. One of Indy's original wineries, grapes are grown in California and wine is made here. Stop by for a free wine tasting, tour and shop their gift shop featuring locally made wine, cheese, food and wine lover goodies. During the Spring and Summer they feature live local music and social hours.

• Easley Winery 205 N. College Ave. +1 317 636-4516. The oldest winery in downtown Indy. Free guided tours, wine tasting, and events. In warm months they feature after-work cocktails and live music. Check out the wine-shop featuring tons of wine and beer making goods.

Sleep

There are a ton of national/international hotel/motel chains in town; listed below are more unique and/or regionally owned operations.

Budget

• Indy Hostel 4903 Winthrop Ave. +1 317 727-1696 Indy's only hostel! Located in Broad Ripple with easy access to bus lines, nightclubs, bars, shops and so forth. Affordable housing in a clean, safe, open minded environment. Hostels are a great way to travel - affordable and you will learn a lot about the city by getting to know the owners and other travellers you may share a room with. A suite is available for those who don't want to be bothered. Local art adorns the walls and the hostel hosts a myriad of travelling folk and acoustic artists for performances. No curfew, internet access, and bicycles are available for hire.

• Serendipity Haus 1423 Hoyt Ave. +1 317 236-9844 An affordable little B&B, owned by a massage therapist and her husband who is a seasonal Santa! Very kind and sweet couple. Built in 1885 the B&B offers two bedrooms with private baths each, two friendly pets (cat and dog), and breakfast is served freshly made! Walking distance of Fountain Square. Vegetarian friendly.

Mid-range

• All Nations B&B 2164 N. Capitol Ave. +1 317 923-2622 Downtown bed and breakfast located in the home of a couple who have travelled the world. This has led to their creation of their B&B, with themed rooms decorated in the motif of visited countries, i.e. New Zealand, China, Ireland and Zimbabwe. Clean, friendly and comfortable the beautiful home offers a well mainted backyard and front decks, family room, and dining room, where the owners cook guest meals.

• Brick Street Inn 175 S. Main St, Zionsville. +1 317 873-9177 A bed & breakfast home built in 1865. Placed right in the heart of Zionsville, a quaint arts and food district north of Indianapolis, it's family operated with has a restaurant and gift shop as well. 8 bedrooms offer different regional design styles common to Indianapolis' past. Zionsville is quite cute, filled with antique shops and art galleries.

• Brickyard Crossing Inn & Resort 4400 W. 16th St. +1 317 241-2500. The Motor Speedways own inn. It books up fast, months in advance for the races, providing simple and nice accommodations for racing and golf enthusiasts. The race track is right behind it. Literally. The place to party the nights before the race, the entire street turns into a mini-Mardi Gras.

• FantaSuite 1117 E. Main St., Greenwood. +1 317 882-2211 The main reason this place is listed because it's surreal and stuck in a time warp. It's been in Greenwood since probably the late 70s as a "themed room" hotel. Stay in "Arabian Nights," "Le Cave," "Geisha Garden" or perhaps the "Jungle Safari" is your pick. The decor is tacky and retro, and most of the bedrooms are equipped with a mere AM/FM tape player. Celebrate kitsch and strange retro love making with a FantaSuite. Don't say we didn't warn you.

• Looking Glass Inn B&B 1319 N. New Jersey St. +1 317 639-9550 A beautiful home built in 1905 located downtown in a historic district. A mission style home filled with Victorian antiques. They also own the Villa. Movie collection available, multi-lingual innkeepers and on-call massage therapists available. Breakfast is provided.

• Nestle Inn B&B 637 N. East St. +1 317 610-5200 One of the most delightful B&B's in town. Victorian home built in 1896 located just off of Mass Ave. Five bedrooms and one suite, library, dining room and sitting rooms, they also serve great homemade breakfast (the scones are stellar!). The owners are sweet and remember all their past guests. Romantic, cute, and friendly.

Splurge

• 15 North 15 N. Penn. +1 317 255-8002 Locally owned loft located in a 1923 built building. A beautiful loft that most of us can only dream of owning! Located in the heart of the city it features 2 bedrooms, a stainless steel kitchen, flatscreen entertainment center - stay in the city in style.

• Cantebury Hotel 123 S. Illinois. +1 317 634-3000 One of the cities oldest and most beautiful hotels. Award winning, built in 1858. With a beautiful lobby bar and restaurant, French/European decor overwhelms you. Turndown service doesn't have a mint - it offers truffles. This is for the creme de la creme of hotel experiences in Indy. You might even catch a celebrity during your visit. My mother met Keith Richards while she was having a drink in the bar.

• Conrad 50 W. Washington St. +1 317 713-5000. State of the art hotel that features plasma screens and wi-fi in every room. Restaurants, spa, and pet friendly.

• DeWolf-Allerdice House B&B 1224 N. Park Ave. +1 317 822-4299 A beautiful home built in 1870, Victoria and modern design, and dial-up access. Gourmet meals (vegetarian friendly) and cocktails served in the evening.

• The Kendall Inn 5830 N. Post Rd. +1 317 591-7280. Locally owned luxury inn located at Fort Harrison State Park on the East side of town. Beautiful grounds in a historic building that originally served as a hospital on the military grounds starting in 1902. 28 unique rooms with an early American decor. Each room has a jacuzzi!

• Luxus Suites & Spa 502 Indiana Ave. +1 317 423-3460 Luxurious is the word to describe this penthouse suite. Two bedrooms, grand piano, fireplace, rooftop terrace, limo, spa services, plasma screens, and more. Live like a celebrity during your visit to Indy.

• Old Northside B&B 1340 Alabama St. +1 317 635-9123 Located in the Historic North Side and built in 1885, this Victorian mansion offers opulently designed theme rooms. Jacuzzi tubs, bridal suites, off-street parking and breakfast served every morning.

• The Villa 1456 N. Delaware. +1 317 916-8500. Bed and breakfast located downtown. Beautiful building from 1906, which is like staying in a castle. Six rooms are offered with luxurious offerings. The Villa is great for a romantic stay, offering one of the finest restaurants in the city, an in-house spa (again, one of the finest) and the most modern experience in the city for a bed and breakfast.

• Yellow Rose Inn 1441 N. Delaware St. +1 317 636-7673 Beautiful restored 1898 home located in a historical district of downtown Indy. All four rooms have access to a hot tub, 1200-ft deck, gardens, spiral staircases and outdoor dining. Amazing antiques, beautiful rooms and jacuzzi's welcome you. Romantic and lovely!

Contact

Television

• WTTV 4 CW
• WRTV 6 ABC
• WISH 8 CBS
• WTHR 13 NBC
• WFYI 20 PBS
• WNDY 23 MY
• WXIN 59 FOX

Newspapers

• Indianapolis Star Indy's main daily/Sunday paper.
• Nuvo Locally owned alternative newsweekly that is the best in town.
• InTake Owned by the Star, competes with Nuvo for a weekly free paper.

Stay safe

• Indianapolis is a very safe city, and has the typical Midwest sense of hospitality.
• Be aware of some areas of the city which may be prone to crime. The downtown center of the city is very safe. The inner loop (inside I-465) suburbs can be dangerous in certain areas depending on what neighborhood/area you are in. Just use the usual common sense you would in any large city.
• Indianapolis has seen a rise in homicides this year, with over 130 reported during the first 11 months of 2006.

Cope

• As of 2006 Indianapolis and the majority of the state of Indiana are now on Eastern Time and DO observe daylight savings time in the summer.

Get out

• Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame 1 Hall of Fame Ct., New Castle. +1 765 529-1891. About 30 minutes east of Indy. This is where "Hoosier Hysteria" is celebrated. Explore exhibits celebrating Indy's basketball history, players, coaches, cheerleaders and so forth. Check out the Hall of Fame featuring amateur inductees from all over the state. $4 for adults, $2 for children.

• Brown County +1 800 753-3255. Is an hour south of Indy. A quaint and cute artist commune with shops, galleries, food and drink, theaters, music halls and historical monuments. One of the most popular places for locals to check out the 'changing of the leaves' during the Fall. Make sure to get some pumpkin ice cream and take a hike through the beautiful Brown County State Park.

• Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Country Star Museum is a hidden secret in Southern Indiana. This is also the site of the legendary bluegrass festival that draws people from all over the world to perform, jam out, drink, eat and celebrate bluegrass music and culture. Check out the Walk of Fame, Bill Monroe's personal collection of memorabilia and other items from the likes of Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, George Jones and more. $4 for adults, $3 seniors, children are free.

• Edinburgh Premium Outlets 11622 N.E. Executive Dr, Edinburgh. +1 317 812-526-9765. Indy's best Outlet, about 30 minutes south of downtown. Features shops like Borders, Banana Republic, the Gap, Calvin Klein, Clarks, Adidas, J.Crew, Guess, Polo and more. They also have an Estee Lauder Company Store which features make-up by companies like MAC, Estee Lauder, Clinque, Perscriptives and Bobbi Brown at outlet prices. AAA discount available.

• Hunter's Honey Farm 3440 Hancock Ridge Rd., Martinsville. +1 765 537-9430. Locally owned and operated for over 90 years. Take a tour and learn how honey is made, watch it get extracted and bottled, learn about how candles are made and explore the grounds. They also have a gift shop. $3 per person, kids under 2 are free. About 20 minutes south of Indy.