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Indianapolis [1] is in Central Indiana. It is the state capital and largest city of Indiana, United States, and is located in Marion County. The population within city limits is approximately 860,000 people. The metropolitan area has about 1.6 million, making it the 12th largest city in the US. Indianapolis is also known as the "Racing Capital of the World" due to the proximity of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500 and Brickyard 400.
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SEE DO EAT
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SEE
- Indiana State Capitol 200 W. Washington St. +1 317 233-5293. [14] 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. [15] 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 $1.
- Indiana War Memorial 400 N. Meridian St. +1 317 232-7615. A seven-block district featuring the neoclassical memorial. The memorial features an amazing performance/lecture hall and a free war museum documenting all US Wars. Free.
- Scottish Rite Cathedral 650 N. Meridian St. +1 317 262-3100. [16] Considered one of the worlds architectural masterpieces, it is the worlds biggest Scottish Rite cathedral. Take a tour and explore the huge pipe organ, floating dancefloor, handcrafted art glass windows, learn about the mystery of Freemasonry and grab a bite to eat in the cafe.
- Indianapolis Zoo 1200 W. Washington St. +1 317 630-2001. [17] ($ 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. [18] 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.
Military gravestones at Crown Hill Cemetery
- The White River Gardens 1200 W. Washington St. +1 317 630-2001. [19] ($ 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. [20] 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.
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- 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 [51] 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. [52] 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. [53] 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. [54] 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. [55] 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. [56] 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. [57] 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. [58] 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. [59] Is an internationally acclaimed and attended contest.
- Mid-September Indy Irish Fest Military Park, 601 W. New York St. +1 317 713-7117. [60] 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. [61] 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.
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EAT
- Amalfi's 1351 W. 86th St. +1 317 253-4034. [166] 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. [167] 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 [168] 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. [169] 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. [170] 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. [171] 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. +
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