Hey there, it's your long lost intern friend, Leah, checking back in. (I know you have been anxiously awaiting my return.)

To complement my internship here at the ICVA, I am taking a course at Butler University called Hospitality and Destination Public Relations, which focuses on marketing destinations and determining the best ways to make certain ones stand out in a country full of alluring travel picks.

Speaking of destinations standing out...we're in one that does just that! As part of a tourism immersion project, our class went out for a fun-filled evening in downtown Indianapolis last week, and visiting some major Indianapolis attractions. We had such a great time it was hard to remember that we were technically in class AND that we were not really on vacation; but right here in our own city!

First stop was the Indianapolis Museum of Art. we were given 20 minutes to explore. Let me tell you...it was most certainly NOT enough. I was memorized by the Light and Space Exhibit. It's a three-story fluorescent light installation, specifically designed for the IMA's 60-foot atrium. As you continue exploring the three gallery levels of the museum, you remain blanketed by the tunnel of light. And I loved the "Simply Halston" exhibit in the Fashion Arts Gallery. We looked at dresses designed throughout the 20th century by a Roy Halston Frowick, who was a favorite of celebrities like Liza Minnelli and Elizabeth Taylor. It was fun picking out which dresses we were most likely to see each other wearing.

After swinging by the Mass Ave portion of the Indy Cultural Trail (which is making great progress!), our next stop was the luxurious Conrad Indianapolis. Even behind the scenes, this place is impeccable! From memorizing guests' names, to individually applying intricate fruit toppings on an endless line of desserts, the Conrad showed us what makes it a truly one-of-a-kind Indianapolis hotel.

Moving on, our next stop was Bodies... The Exhibition. If you haven't seen this yet...JUST DO IT. It'll be in downtown Indianapolis through the end of the year. It really is a jaw-dropping experience.Those of us who hadn't lost our appetites after the exhibition,continued on to the Indianapolis Artsgarden (which conveniently connects the Conrad and Embassy Suites to Circle Centre mall), where we enjoyed a quick bite to eat from the Circle Center food court. Sitting there, looking through the seven-story-tall glass enclosed structure, we were able to take in a spectacular view of the city.

Finally, for those party-goers in the group, Indiana's oldest bar, the Slippery Noodle Inn, was calling! This place opened in 1850, and before that, served as a stop on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. Today it's a cool hang-out with live blues 7-days a week.

So the lesson learned is you don't have to leave Indianapolis to have a fun little getaway. Just imagine what you could do with a whole weekend...

So, I finally made it over to see "Bodies: The Exhibition" with a colleague this week.  There has been quite a buzz around the exhibition since it opened in downtown Indianapolis a few months ago.  But, for those who are unfamiliar, "Bodies" reveals how our bodies work - from the inside out.  See the remarkable intricacies of the human body and what lies beneath our skin - quite literally - through the use of real specimens, many of the whole-body. 

While I have to admit I did have a few ewwww moments, I thought the exhibition - which turned out to be much more robust than I expected - was completely fascinating.  Once I got over the initial shock (and that's a really strong word, but another, more appropriate word is escaping me right now) of the actual bodies, I found it to be very interesting - and I'm not that into science and/or medicine.  It's just absolutely insane how complex and complicated our bodies are and how, yet, it all works together in total perfection to create our living form.  The more I think about it, the more I find to wrap my mind around. 

There's just one thing that bugged me about the whole experience...the exhibition's location, which is in the basement of the Claypool Courts building (northwest corner of Washington&Illinois streets), is that it's just below the Weber Grill Restaurant.  There's just something kinda icky about walking through a exhibition of this nature while the odor of grilled ribs and charcoal-fired burgers wafts all around you.  I dunno - maybe it's just me.  What do you think?

That said, I would still recommend checking this exhibition out.  It's in Indy until the end of the year.  Tickets are $22, adults and $18, children and seniors. Oh, and no cameras allowed. Bummer.

Need more Indianapolis trip ideas for this weekend? Check out our online calendar for a slew of other events going on right now!! 

Wednesday, the NCAA announced the city will host the Division I Men’s Final Four in 2015.
 
Just last Friday, Indy was awarded the Women’s Final Four in 2016.
Both events will take place in Lucas Oil Stadium, which already has the 2010 Men’s Final Four and the 2011 Women’s Final Four on the docket.

I blogged last week and reiterate now that this is the continuing harvest from a field sewn long ago. The decision to invest in sports as a means to redefine and reshape our city qualifies as nothing short of genius. The visionaries from more than 30 years ago should be doing cartwheels over these kinds of announcements, except now, they’re all too old.

Part of that sports strategy was to invest $50 million in privately raised funds to convince the NCAA to relocate its national headquarters to Indianapolis in 1999. Not long thereafter, the NCAA entered into an agreement with the Indiana Sports Corporation and the City of Indianapolis in which it agreed to bring future Final Fours to Indy as long as Indy meant certain conditions as well as the minimum bid requirements.

In the meantime, Indianapolis has made the kind of effort to show that it doesn’t want or expect a hand-out, but would aggressively compete to maintain its Final Four status. The construction and design of Lucas Oil Stadium, the expansion of the Indiana Convention Center, the opening of the new Weir Cook Terminal at Indianapolis International Airport and the new JW Marriott hotel complex all demonstrate a commitment to not just give the NCAA what it desires, but to exceed it.

And at the core of it all is the demonstrated volunteer base – people power at its best.

As Division I men’s basketball committee chairman Mike Slive said, “Indianapolis will be a fixture for hosting future Final Fours and those behind the bid took nothing for granted.”

More good news from Indy today! Last week the NCAA announced Women's Final Four site selections for several upcoming years, and today they announced site selections for several years of upcoming Men's Final Fours.

It's Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for 2015!

Below you can read the official release - but I thought I'd highlight one quote in particular:

“Indianapolis will be a fixture for hosting future Final Fours and those behind the bid took nothing for granted,” Slive said. [Mike Slive, Division I Men’s Basketball Committee Chair and Southeastern Conference Commissioner]

Kudos to those behind the bid!

---

NCAA DIVISION I MEN’S BASKETBALL COMMITTEE SELECTS 2012-16 MEN’S FINAL FOUR SITES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, November 19, 2008

CONTACT:
David Worlock
Associate Director for the Division I
Men’s Basketball Championship
317/917-6120


INDIANAPOLIS---A process that Division I Men’s Basketball Committee Chair and
Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive indicated was as grueling and competitive as selecting teams for the men’s basketball championship concluded Wednesday with the announcement of the following host cities for the 2012-16 Men’s Final Fours:

March 31/April 2, 2012: New Orleans, LA Louisiana Superdome
April 6/8, 2013: Atlanta, GA Georgia Dome
April 5/7, 2014: North Texas (Arlington/ Dallas/ Fort Worth) Cowboys Stadium
April 4/6, 2015: Indianapolis, IN Lucas Oil Stadium
April 2/4, 2016: Houston, TX Reliant Stadium

The announcement brings the year-long selection process to a conclusion, returning the Final Four to two sites (New Orleans, Atlanta) after several years, one new site (North Texas) and two cities (Indianapolis, Houston) already slated to host in the next three years....

Indianapolis will host the Men’s Final Four for what will be the seventh time in the city’s history. Market Square Arena was the site of the 1980 Final Four, while the RCA Dome hosted in 1991, ‘97, 2000 and ‘06. Recently-constructed Lucas Oil Stadium, previously picked to host the 2010 Men’s Final Four, will also be the site for the 2015 event. The stadium is also slated to host the 2009 Men’s Regional and 2011 and ‘16 Women’s Final Fours.

Read the full release here.

# # #

Brrr, did the fall season take a vacation this week?!

Well, one thing is certain - there is no denying the holiday season is upon us. Turkeys are being ordered, decorations are having the dust blown off them and wish lists are being scribbled. So once you have effectively stuffed yourself, enjoyed the festive decor and emptied your checking account on gifts, what are you going to do over the holidays?

Well, I have some Indy news to share - there are tons of events in Indianapolis this holiday season! And About.com has listed Indianapolis on their list of Great Places to See Santa. [Yes, please - I need to make sure Mr. Claus receives my wish list!]

As you'll see in the About.com article - several Indianapolis attractions are once again offering 12 Free Days of Christmas in Indy. Because while we all love the song, in today's market who really needs turtle doves and french hens? [Although I wouldn't mind having the five golden rings!] Rather, we thought you might enjoy something like free admission to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway museum or a free dessert with dinner at one of several participating downtown Indianapolis restaurants!

This week's edition of the Indianapolis Business Journal [Nov. 17] also ran a story on the 12 Days. It's not online, but grab a print copy from newsstands and flip to the Focus section on pg. 32. You'll also find an in-depth piece with the ICVA's new leader - Don Welsh. 

If you need help planning your Indianapolis vacation, call one of our Indy travel counselors at 800-974-INDY or book online with our Indy Holiday Hotel Deals.

As many of you know, our organization welcomed a new leader to the helm this year.  Don Welsh has been on the ground here in Indy since the beginning of August and has been busy meeting with staff, board members and the large number of community leaders that are so instrumental to making our hospitality industry a success here in Indianapolis.

A couple of observations on Don:

1.  This guy is bringing an entirely new level of energy to our organization.  I mean, we've always been excited about our city and sharing it with our clients - but I'll tell you this - I've got a athletic resume that includes a 4:10 mile and even I'm having trouble keeping up with Don!

2.  He's a change agent.  He's very quickly evaluated the state of our industry here in Indianapolis, realized that as a whole, Indianapolis does quite a bit right and a large percentage of what we've been doing will continue to work.  But as we look ahead to what will be needed to continue to succeed as our city unveils $3 billion worth of new infrastructure over the next few years, he's also quickly identified areas we will need to approach differently.

The Indianapolis Business Journal did a nice Q&A with Don that I think you'll find interesting.  In it, he shares what got him excited about coming to Indy from Seattle, what challenges we face as we make our way through the growth phase we are currently in as well as changes he is making to how we are structured here internally so that we are able to overcome these challenges.

In this article you'll also see a shot of Don taping a video - this is something we produced here at the ICVA that provides you the opportunity to meet Don and see why he is so excited about Indianapolis.  Check it out!

Indianapolis - A Marketer's Dream Come True

The amateur sports strategy in Indianapolis conceived 30 years ago produced another winner Friday when the NCAA announced the city will host the Division I Women's Final Four in 2016.

This will be Indy's third Women's Final Four. The event first came to downtown Indianapolis in 2005 and returns in 2011.

The 2011 and 2016 Women's Final Fours will be staged in Lucas Oil Stadium. While known primarily as the home of the NFL Indianapolis Colts, the multi-functional building also was designed as a basketball venue, albeit a very large basketball venue. Above is a rendering of a possible floor setup for the Women's Final Four. Several configurations could be used with capacity between 20,000 and 30,000,

Indianapolis has long embraced women's sports in general and women's basketball in particular. With the exception of one year, Indianapolis has hosted the Big Ten women's basketball tournament continuously since 1994.

Indianapolis will learn next week if it will host the NCAA's Men's Final Four sometime between 2012-2015. Indy previously has hosted the Men's Final Four in 1980, 1991, 1997, 2000 and 2006 and will have the Men's Final Four in 2010.

 

How about some good news to start the weekend off right!

The NCAA just released future Women's Final Four rotations. In 2016, we'll host the big game and ancillary events in Indianapolis! Again, we see dividends of the long-time sports strategy - a definite coup for Indianapolis businesses as tens of thousands of visitors will flock into the city, filling our hotels and restaurants. Indianapolis is also host the Men's Final Four in 2010, and the Women's Final Four in 2011.

My colleague and long-time Indianapolis sports fixture, Bill Benner also wrote a few words and you can check them out here. And if you're looking for the full scoop, check out the official release below.

Have a great weekend all!

---
NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee Selects Women's Final Four Sites for the Years 2012-16
For Immediate Release:
Friday, November 14, 2008   

Contact:
Rick Nixon
Associate Director of the Division I Women's Basketball Championship
317/917-6539

INDIANAPOLIS---The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee has chosen five future Women’s Final Four sites for the years 2012-2016.

The Women’s Final Four sites are:

    2012 – Denver. Mountain West Conference, host
    2013 – New Orleans.University of New Orleans, host
    2014 – Nashville. Ohio Valley Conference, host
    2015 – Tampa Bay. University of South Florida, host
    2016 – Indianapolis. Butler University, Indiana University-Purdue University                         Indianapolis (IUPUI) and Horizon League, hosts

“The women’s basketball committee invested a tremendous amount of time and effort in the Women’s Final Four site selection process,” said Jacki Silar, chair of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee and associate director of athletics at Duke University. “It was a very difficult and important decision and it was the committee’s charge to determine which of the cities would best serve as future host sites for the pinnacle of women’s basketball – the Women’s Final Four.”

After submitting an intent-to-bid form last November, representatives of 12 cities attended a pre-bid seminar in January, and they met with NCAA staff for individual planning and progress updates in April and again in June. After selecting eight finalist cities in August, women’s basketball committee members made site visits to each finalist city in September and October 2008. Following the site visits to each prospective city, representatives of the bid committee made final presentations to the committee on Nov. 11-12 in Indianapolis.

“The committee appreciated the work and effort of each of the cities that participated in this bid selection process,” Silar said. “Committee members evaluated each prospective host city based on many criteria, weighing each element’s importance and what is critical to successfully host a Women’s Final Four.”

When evaluating prospective host cities, the committee reviewed each city’s competition venue, convention center, hotel community, transportation plans, legacy programs and financial commitment, as well as the community’s and prospective host institution/conference’s overall commitment to the event.

“This is an exciting time for the game of collegiate women’s basketball and this was evident by the number and quality of cities that participated in the bid process as prospective 2012-16 Women’s Final Four hosts,” said NCAA President Myles Brand.  “Congratulations to the five cities selected as these cities represent the future for this great event. In 2016, the NCAA will celebrate the 35th anniversary season of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship. With cities such as Denver, New Orleans, Nashville, Tampa Bay and Indianapolis serving as future hosts, we believe the Women’s Final Four will continue its growth as a marquee event and continue to be the ultimate experience for our student-athletes.”

The cities selected represent a blend of cities with past Women’s Final Four hosting experience in Indianapolis (2005), New Orleans (1991, 2004) and Tampa Bay (2008), while Denver and Nashville will be hosting the event for the first time.

“We would like to express our appreciation to the prospective host cities and bid committees that participated in the bid process for the 2012-16 Women’s Final Four,” said NCAA Executive Vice President Tom Jernstedt. “The time, effort and enthusiasm in each of their bids were noteworthy and because of this kind of commitment and engagement, the Women’s Final Four will continue to be the outstanding ’celebration’ of women’s basketball that it has become. This was a difficult decision by the Division I Women’s Basketball Committee, and I applaud their efforts in determining the five cities that will serve as the future host cities for the pinnacle event in women’s basketball.”
 
About the NCAA:
The NCAA is a membership-led nonprofit association of colleges and universities committed to supporting academic and athletic opportunities for more than 400,000 student-athletes at more than 1,000 member colleges and universities. Each year, more than 54,000 student-athletes compete in NCAA championships in Divisions I, II and III sports. Visit www.ncaa.org and www.ncaa.com for more details about the Association, its goals and members and corporate partnerships that help support programs for student-athletes.
 
###

It's no secret - or at least it shouldn't be - that Indianapolis is home to a wonderful collection of world-class attractions and museums.  The renowned Indianapolis Museum of Art, just a few miles north of the heart of downtown Indy, is one of the largest general art museums in the country.  It is home to a collection of more than 50,000 works from a variety of cultures and periods in art history.  

Blockbuster exhibitions, special events, and unique dining (Puck's, IMA Cafe) and shopping (The IMA Store, Gallery Shop, Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse Shop, Lilly Shop and the new IMA Design Center) options make the IMA a destination in itself.  Given that local weather forecasters are calling for cold and snow on Saturday, this is a perfect weekend to check out the Museum and it's newest exhibition "Power&Glory: Court Arts of China's Ming Dynasty."

This groundbreaking exhibition, the first to focus on the full range of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) court arts, includes more than 200 treasures from China’s greatest museums, many never before seen outside the country. To complement the exhibition, the IMA is displaying a special selection of its own Asian pieces by famed artisans of the Ming dynasty for this limited time only.

Round our your visit by browsing the Museum's other galleries, stopping by the historic Oldfields - Lilly House&Gardens and grabbing a bite and Puck's Restaurant.  General admission to the IMA is free, but there is a charge for the special "Power & Glory" exhibition ($12, adults; $10, seniors; $7 college students w/ ID and youth 7-17).

So now I’ve seen the virtually finished product.

The new Weir Cook Terminal at our new Indianapolis International Airport is within hours of receiving its first passengers.

And tomorrow morning, it will be full-go for both arrivals and departures.

During ribbon-cutting ceremonies this afternoon, I had several goose-bump moments (including the one in the photo above, where I got my own snip of the ribbon).

One came as I recalled how my mother – many, many years ago – would take us children to the old Weir Cook Airport (long before it became Indianapolis International). We could go up on the roof to an observation deck and watch takeoffs and departures of DC-9s and DC-10s. It was an amazing sight.

So this afternoon, I thought of parents taking their children to our new airport, where they can gaze out the gigantic window of Civic Plaza and watch planes come and go in climate-controlled comfort.  Another amazing sight.

I also remember when TWA (Trans World Airlines for you youngsters) inaugurated the first jet service between Indianapolis and New York. We lived on the south side and it seemed that the TWA jet (I think it was a 707) would often fly above our farmhouse on its way to NYC.

Again, I would watch with awe and wonder and dream about being on that plane some day.

As a grown up, air travel became part of my almost weekly routine as I chased teams and sports events around the country and the world. A trip to the airport and air travel itself lost its awe, and became a necessity of life.

Don’t you just hate how growing up spoils you.

But this afternoon, in our magnificent new airport, I rediscovered my sense of amazement and wonderment.

In short, I felt like a little kid again.
 

We're checking in with USA Today for this installment of Look Who's Talking Tuesday.

Airport Check-in: Indianapolis readies $1.1B terminal
By Roger Yu, USA TODAY
New features at U.S. airports

The new main terminal of Indianapolis International will formally open on Tuesday after three years of construction. The $1.1 billion facility — named Col. H. Weir Cook Terminal — will be able to handle up to 12 million passengers a year. The airport says the 1.2 million-square-foot terminal, with two 20-gate concourses, is the largest LEED-certified building (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in the Midwest. It will also feature 50 retailers and restaurants, plus free Wi-Fi.

Some flights will still arrive at the old terminal on Tuesday, and airport employees will be stationed at both terminals to direct passengers. All flights will operate from the new terminal starting Wednesday. Ground transportation will be available until Nov. 26 for passengers who parked at the old terminal.

---

I just returned from the opening ceremonies and ribbon cutting of the new Indianapolis International Airport. During his remarks, Indianapolis Airport Authority President Randall Tobias also gave a "Look Who's Talking Tuesday" report [who knew my theme would catch so quickly?]. What I found the most interesting and noteworthy wasn't the glowing review he shared, but rather the source of the review - The Urbanophile blog, not a traditional media outlet. Huh, perhaps there is something to this blogging thing after all. I snapped a few pictures and thought I'd share. You can also read my colleague's thoughts here.

INDeed it's (almost) here. And I don't want you to miss the biggest pieces of news taking flight from Indy!

In case you haven't heard [here, here, oh, and here], the new Indianapolis International Airport officially opens tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 11. Arrivals are set to transition to the new terminal around 8 p.m.. We're honored that this first arrival at the new IND will be a homecoming for one of our troops in Iraq. Departures will begin taking off from the new Col. H. Weir Cook Terminal bright and early Wednesday morning.

If you have some Indianapolis travel plans in your future, be sure to check out the Taking Flight user guide from The Indianapolis Star. They've got you covered, from getting to your interstate exit point and checking in to passing through security and finding departures and arrivals. They've also got the scoop on airport retail, where you can indulge in a famous St. Elmo shrimp cocktail between flights and the anticipated LEED certification for the environmentally-friendly terminal. And it's still just a short 15-minute drive from the airport to downtown Indianapolis!

And while you're at it -- take a look at some great Indianapolis package deals for your travels!

We're fortunate in Indianapolis to have some tasty non-chain pizza places and Union Jack is one of my favorites. Next year they'll celebrate 30 years in business at 924 Broad Ripple Ave. Their location right on the strip in Broad Ripple makes for great people-watching in the warmer months and is a quick drive to downtown Indianapolis.

I can't say I've been overly excited by any of the other food offerings, but they do make a nice pie. In addition to letting you pick your crust, sauce and cheese, you have a wide range of toppings (crowns) to build your dream pizza. Everything from pepperoni, bacon and mushrooms to cajun chicken, corned beef, red and yellow peppers, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, cucumbers and even sauerkraut. Please don't ask me to split a sauerkraut pizza...I don't even want to smell it!

Although a large evening pizza will be a little more costly, the personal lunch pizza with a side salad is just perfect. You get to make all the same selections for the personal pizza as you would for a larger one and the cheese comes out thick so if that's not your thing, be sure to let your server know.

The regular crust is good but if you're not in a hurry and you enjoy deep dish, wait the 40 minutes the menu and servers will tell you it takes for baking. You can sample one of the many beers and wines they keep stocked and watch sports featuring balls of all sizes and shapes. Keep in mind this is a pub, so they do have a fully stocked bar.

I've eaten quite a few pizzas here (and at the Speedway location) over the years and haven't had any issues with service until this most recent visit. Our group of four had just finished our meals when we noticed the wait staff hovering more than usual. One of them asked us if we would mind leaving since they needed our table to help seat a large group together. Only it wasn't really a question, you know? We all felt it was a little rude and would have appreciated being offered the option of moving to another table to finish our drinks.

This weekend is the Great Indy Pet Expo at the state fairgrounds and, needless to say, I'll be taking my guy, Ernie, to check it out. I'm always on the lookout for fun things to do in Indianapolis with him.

In addition to a variety of agility and obedience clinics, your pet can participate in "leave it" and "stay" contests. And the owners will have plenty of vendor booths to browse for the perfect toy, treat or grooming product. If you don't already have a pet or want to add to your non-human family, several rescue groups will be on hand to help you with your search for the perfect companion.

While Ernie's main talent is just being a love-pig, he's also very adept at eating whipped cream. See him going after a "pup cup" here.

Whew - what a week.  What a history-making week...and we've all been a part of it.  This country has glimpsed its future - a future led (at least for the next four years) by the nation's first African-American president.  Regardless of what side of the political fence you're on, I think it's pretty darn cool to have lived and breathed history in the making.  Folks like my grandmother never thought they'd live to see a person of color hold the highest office in the land because she lived through the atrocities and the triumphs of the Civil Rights movement.  My generation, though, didn't live through it, and haven't witnessed these dark pages in our history. 

Well, one of Indianapolis' most popular attractions gives you the chance to walk in someone else's shoes and experience an emotional and dramatic part of our shared history.  Each weekend in November (6-8, 13-15, 20-22), Conner Prairie is hosting its award-winning Follow the North Star program, where participants become runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad.  During your travels through the dark night, you'll encounter a slave sale and a wide range of people, including a belligerent transplanted Southerner, a reluctantly helpful farm wife, a slave hunter, a Quaker family and a free black family. The first-hand look at this painful part of our history will jolt you. 

This program takes place outside in all kinds of weather and participants walk about a mile on rough terrain. Participants are treated as slaves and are told to keep their eyes down and not to speak unless spoken to. Because of the emotional nature of the experience, participants must be 12 years or older.  Reservations are suggested.  Get more information here. 

Have you participated in the Follow the North Star program?  If so, I'd love to hear from you!

Some days just seem right for a heavy, gonna-need-an-afternoon-nap sort of lunch and today was one of those days. As I try to find a position in my cube where passersby won't be able to readily see that I'm asleep, I'll reflect on the meal I just had at my favorite downtown Indianapolis Greek restaurant, Santorini.

Why do I love Santorini? It's a combination of the super-friendly wait staff, dining entertainment (could be a pianist or a belly dancer or just the shouts of "Opa!" when someone orders the saganaki), the great location just south of downtown (1417 Prospect St.)  in Fountain Square and, of course, the fantastic food!

I have two philosophies on handling the food. If you just need a quick fix, get some flaming cheese (top photo) or hummus and a dessert (see galaktabouriko in the bottom photo for the inspiration for the phrase sinfully delicious). This should fill you up nicely. If you're truly famished, though, you'll need to order one of the meals.

You start with a salad that, unlike many Greek salads I've had in the city, is actually less reliant on oil than on the lettuce, feta, and other toppings. Your entree will arrive accompanied by rice, savory green beans and some potatoes that Taki, the chef, has perfected. Dip the potatoes in the tzatziki sauce for an added delight. There's no excuse for you to leave hungry since the portions are more than ample.

Some favorites are the fish kebobs (second photo from top), spanokopita, sampler (second photo from bottom), pastitsio and gyros. As I mentioned above, the wait staff is one of the best: very attentive, knowledgable and fun. I'm already planning my next trip.

Now that we have that little election thing over with, we can focus on the next big happening in Indianapolis.

And I mean REALLY big.

Next Tuesday, Nov. 11, the new Weir Cook Terminal opens at Indianapolis International Airport. There will be a ceremony in the afternoon and then, that evening, the first passengers will arrive.

Wednesday, Nov. 12, will be the terminal’s first full day with arriving and departing flights.

It is merely the largest capital project – $1.1 billion worth – in the city’s history.
I almost feel like scheduling a trip somewhere so I can fly in and out of the new digs – you know, kind of give it a test drive.

As it is right now, I have no air travel scheduled until January, and I feel like I’m going to miss out on the fun and buzz that comes with opening anything new.

I will be picking up the daughter and son-in-law on the night before Thanksgiving. They’re coming in on a flight that doesn’t arrive until almost midnight. Normally, I get the late pickup duty while my wife heads to bed. Not this time. “I think I’m going to have to go with you just so I can see the new terminal,” she told me the other day.

I may take her early, and we can enjoy a nice dinner at one of the fine restaurants located in the majestic Civic Plaza, and check out the amazing array of public art.

Date night at an airport? Who'd a thunk it?

As I’ve blogged before, it is a spectacular facility that will redefine the way Indianapolis welcomes the world.

I have had the opportunity to fly into virtually every airport in the America, and more than a few around the world and I will say, with what little objectivity I can muster, the new Indianapolis airport terminal is a jaw-dropper.

Oh, and it’s still just a 15-minute drive from downtown Indianapolis.

Welcome to the very first installment of Look Who's Talking Tuesday!

A big part of my team's work involves partnering with journalists while they're visiting Indianapolis. They check out Indianapolis attractions, museums and sports [a trip the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is almost always on the itinerary], dine at our restaurants, stay in one of downtown's hotels and experience the fun there is to be had on a visit to Indianapolis.

Talk about a cool job - that's all research for the stories they'll write! Once their stories run in publications all over the country, we hope their readers will be enticed to plan their own Indianapolis vacation.

This week I want to share with you a story that recently hit the Web at Travel Industry TODAY. Travel Industry TODAY is a Canadian-based news journal publication. Ilona Kauremszky traveled to Indianapolis and it sounds like she had some fast times at the race track - and mmm, she dined at my favorite sushi place too!

Happy reading, and Indianapolis vacation planning!

A few miscellaneous Indianapolis Halloween related tidbits before we move on to the next holiday!

The Gothic Chapel at Crown Hill Cemetery

Thanks to our local foodie expert Renee for sharing a unique venue on her blog over at FeedMeDrinkMe – a friend of hers rented the Gothic Chapel located on the grounds of Crown Hill Cemetery, just 3 ½ miles due north of downtown Indianapolis.  Her event? A Halloween themed wedding rehearsal dinner.

The cemetery is the 3rd largest in the United States (555 acres!) and this chapel, built in 1875, is right in the heart of the grounds.  Many know it as a treasure trove of Indianapolis history and enjoy the surprisingly large number of tours conducted each year.  Others enjoy driving up to the top of the hill where they soak in the 360 degree panorama of our city ithat includes the downtown Indianapolis skyline.

Renting the facility for events benefits the Crown Hill Heritage Foundation whose mission is to raise funds for the upkeep of the cemetery as well as to inform and educate the public through tours and other programs.

I hadn't known the chapel was available for non-funeral related functions, so I picked up the phone and talked to Marty Davis with the Foundation.  She shared that the chapel has a vestibule as well as the main chapel that can sit right around 50 or so for a meal at rounds.  At just $200/hour ($400 on October 31st), you'll be hard pressed to find a more unique venue at this price point.

Bonus feature - the 183 pipe organ that is in the facility to help you create that perfect spooky/scary ambience.

Bummer - Unless you are lighting a Unity candle for your wedding - no candles allowed!

It was renovated just a few years ago to the tune of $2 million and was an Indiana AIA award winner in 2006 (more photos there). 

Intrigued?  Give Marty or her colleague Marianne Randjelovic a call.

ICVA Sales Team takes 2nd in Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Ok - I'm taking some liberties here because I don't think they really awarded anything else but 1st place, so technically everyone that didn't win was tied for 2nd, right?

As is our tradition – the ICVA staff conducted our annual pumpkin decorating contest last Friday over our Halloween lunch hour.  This year was a timed competition (60 or 90 minutes depending on whether or not you followed the rules) and carving was not allowed.  Each department was provided a pumpkin and some supplies, but we were encouraged to bring in additional supplies of our own as well.

Although the sales team didn’t bring home the victory, I thought you’d enjoy our theme and approach.  Wondering where the pumpkin is?  Click on the image to see our full entry! 

Our award winning Housing Department was crowned as the champions – fresh off of executing the housing program for the Girls Scouts of the USA National Convention (here in town this past Tuesday - Sunday), they stayed with that theme and brought home the victory this year.  Pretty sure they paid the judges off in Thin Mints though...

You can find one other noteworthy entry into the contest over here on Karissa's blog - they also got 2nd.  J