Indianapolis is a vibrant metropolis with so much to offer visitors. But if you really want to experience the best of the city known as the Crossroads of America, you’ll need to tour it like a local. Here are some of the best hotels, restaurants, and activities to ensure you get a trip that’s distinctive for its authenticity.
Where to Stay
Among the most popular hotels are the Conrad Indianapolis and the Bottleworks Hotel. If you’re interested in a pampering stay, definitely check out the Conrad. On-site spa services include pedicures, facials, and massages plus steam rooms and saunas for a truly personalized treatment that will leave you feeling rejuvenated. For history fans, the Bottleworks Hotel stands out for its Art Deco style. As a former Coca-Cola bottling plant, this building has been fully renovated for the comfort of guests.
Best Places to Eat
For a good breakfast that does the community good, stop by restaurateur Martha Hoover’s Cafe Patachou. The Patachou Foundation is dedicated to providing meals to area youth, and your patronage of her restaurant makes this important work possible. Milktooth’s brunch stands out for its varied menu and fun location–a former auto garage. You’ll find it in the Fletcher Place neighborhood.
For lunch, stick close to the Bottleworks and go to the Garage Food Hall, where you have your choice of food vendors serving all the international cuisine you could ask for. If you’re in downtown Indy, make a stop at Gallery Pastry Bar.
Beholder, located on the eastside of Indianapolis, is growing in popularity as a top dinner spot, not least because of the amazing work of its chef, Jonathan Brooks. He is a James Beard semifinalist and was recently named one of Food & Wine Magazine’s best new chefs. Downtown visitors will want to eat at Tinker Street, a popular choice among locals. And finally, catch the buzz about The Amp, a food hall built around shipping containers. Of note, The Amp’s Melon Kitchens, where Black chefs can hone their craft and build their businesses. For literary types, the library-themed Bluebeard, which will sound familiar if you’re into Kurt Vonnegut novels, also showcases the work of an award-winning chef.
Things to Do
When shopping in Indy, make it a point to visit Becker Supply Company for your outdoor gear needs, where your purchases support planting trees.
The Indianapolis Museum of Art’s Newfields is home to a new exhibit, LUME. You’ll marvel at the light projections that immerse you in the world of famed artist Vincent Van Gogh. Just a short distance away, you can pose in front of the world-famous LOVE sculpture.
Shop the Broad Ripple Neighborhood, and stop at Just Pop In for popcorn and a cocktail, The Cake Bake Shop made famous by Oprah Winfrey, and the always-on-trend 8Fifteen boutique.
Tour the Indiana Historical Society’s Madam Walker Exhibit. Learn about the first American woman to become a self-made millionaire. Her hair care products company’s headquarters was in Indianapolis even though her products were sold nationwide. For more about this amazing entrepreneur, stop by the Madam Walker Legacy Center in a former factory of hers.
Something for Everyone in Indianapolis
When you have the opportunity to explore everything that Indianapolis has to offer, it’s easy to see why visitors return year after year. The historical landmarks, warm hospitality, great restaurants, and world-class shopping deliver high-impact experiences for solo travelers, couples, and families, too.
