<p>Next weekend H and I are meeting my BFF and her H for a quick weekend in Indianapolis.
We need suggestions for good places to eat and fun things to do! I think we are staying downtown but we could switch hotels to another area if that was a bad choice.</p>
<p>Sometimes being an Indiana native comes in handy :)…</p>
<p>Depending on what your budget is, you really have to go to St. Elmo’s. It’s an Indy standard, and while a pricier than most (relatively in line with a Ruth Chris or a Mortons), the shrimp cocktail is world famous. They have a sister restaurant downtown named Harry and Izzy’s that also has the shrimp cocktail but is much cheaper overall.</p>
<p>If you can get to Broad Ripple, you should try Bazbeaux’s pizza. Another must visit with a few locations is Cafe Patachou…their brunch is to die for. I’ve never had any french toast better than theirs. I haven’t been to The Rathskeller, but I have heard very good things. It’s a Bavarian beer hall, so lots of -schnitzel and a rather expansive beer list. Finally, if either H is into burgers, Carmel has Bub’s Burgers and the Big Ugly challenge (they were on the Food Network). Downtown also has a few chainier type restaurants like Weber Grill, Bucca di Beppo, etc. </p>
<p>In terms of things to do–catch a Pacers game (tickets are cheap), visit the NCAA College HoF, visit the Indy zoo or botanical gardens, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is right by the JW Mariott, take a tour of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, or (if you can get to Carmel) go shopping at Keystone.</p>
<p>The Museum at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is awesome. They have, by and large, every winning car dating including the very first race. Many of them are just stunning. Many are etched in sporting history. Terrific way to spend an hour or two. You can also take a tour bus lap of the track.</p>
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<p>It’s been a while since I has occasion to visit Indy, bit I 3rd the idea of the Speedway Museum. I am not a racing fan, but it was really a great experience.</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions so far…my BFF and I are looking up every one of them!</p>
<p>It doesn’t sound like you’re going to have any kids with you for this trip, but I’d recommend the Children’s Museum if you’re ever planning to go back with younger kids. It’s the best museum in the city in my opinion.</p>
<p>If the Pacers or Colts happen to be in town, it might be fun and easy to catch a game since they play right downtown. The Pacers just installed this ridiculously large video board in their arena: </p>
<p><a href=“http://www.trbimg.com/img-502dbdef/turbine/wxin-new-sound-system-video-board-to-improve-f-001/600[/url]”>http://www.trbimg.com/img-502dbdef/turbine/wxin-new-sound-system-video-board-to-improve-f-001/600</a></p>
<p>I forgot to mention that Indy has a pretty great beer selection if you’re interested in visiting some local microbreweries. Sun King, Twenty Tap (a bar, not a brewery), and Flat12 are my favorites, but there are a lot of options.</p>
<p>[Indianapolis</a> Breweries - An Insider’s Guide | Visit Indy](<a href=“http://visitindy.com/indianapolis-whats-on-tap-indy-breweries]Indianapolis”>Best Breweries in Indianapolis | Cheers to Drinking local)</p>