So who around here loves the AMC Emmy award winning show Mad Men?  Me, me, me, me!!!  Of course, you may have already gotten the idea that I love all things historical (even if there's a bit of fiction mixed in) AND if you watch you have to admire all of the wining, dining, and maligning that goes on in the world of 1950s/1960s advertising executives.  It's schmoozing to the Nth degree and it's terribly yummy, in my opinion.  And don't even get me started on the fab-u-lous vintage dresses the actresses get to wear.  Lovely.  And as usual, I digress.

If you're looking for something a bit less fiction, a little more fact this week, the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce has a great opportunity for you to feel wined and dined without dropping a ton of cash.  Head to Conseco Fieldhouse on Thursday, September 24th from 5-9 PM, check out the Chamber's biggest event of the year - Schmooza Palooza!  If you're a member or an employee of a company that is a member then cha-ching, you get in for free (this includes 1000s of people, so check and see!).  If you're not a member, you can register for the Ticket Give Away to be drawn TODAY (9/22) OR the good folks of the Chamber will be giving away tix on the Circle on Wednesday (9/23) OR you can pay a mere $10 at the door.

And what does your free ticket or ten bucks get you?  I'm so glad you asked!  Not only can you sample fine Indianapolis Fare, you can also learn all about up and coming Indianapolis businesses specializing in technology, ecological impact, and savvy green living.  Plus since I did promise "wining" there will be wine and beer tastings, live music, and "exclusive prize drawings" (I think that means they will be giving things away, not that they will be drawing prizes).

So if you're a part of the Indianapolis Jet Set, wish you were, want to know who is, or simply have a smashing vintage dress to wear, Schmooza Palooza is for you.  And we promise that your foot won't get run over by a lawnmower (Seriously, you must watch Mad Men.  I insist.)

I spent a few days last week in the city that never sleeps (and consequentially makes me verrry tired.) Oddly enough I spent more time in airports than I actually spent awake in NYC. And a majority of that time was spent in La Guardia International Airport.

La Guardia smells like feet.

The Indianapolis Airport used to smell like feet.

NOT ANYMORE!


I love New York, LOVE. Also, Indianapolis and I got off to a really bumpy start. Only recently have I fallen head over heels with this city. You know what made me crush even harder? Coming home from New York's foot smelling airport to Indianapolis' shiny! new! well! designed! airport!

Nothing says welcome home like well lit hallways, your luggage arriving before you make it off your plane and fresh modern art installments to entertain you the whole way to baggage claim.

I secretly beam with pride when one of my friends or family members fly into town. I may even be a few minutes late just to be sure that my airport pickupee is able to fully enjoy what the Indianapolis airport has to offer. I always thought the Indianapolis Convention Center was a thing of beauty, until they finished the new airport.

Coming for a visit? Prepare to be impressed. We may be Midwest but there's nothing middle of the line about our airport, downtown or convention center.

Only a few minutes from downtown Indianapolis and so well designed that anyone coming on an Indianapolis vacation may have a hard time making it to the parking garage in one trip under the polka dot light art installment. (It is this particular art installment that keeps me from getting grumpy when my husband is inevitably 45 minutes late to pick me up everytime.)

Our airport totally kicks other airports trash. But luckily we are more than happy to share ours with you.

Welcome to Indianapolis.

True confession time.  Even though it sounds completely horrible, I have a secret desire.  I'd love to go downtown and visit the The Children's Museum of Indianapolis without my kids, The Eldest Princess (who's 7) and the Youngest Princess (18 months old).  Whew.  There, I've said it and it's out there now.  Going to the Children's Museum with my kids has given me some wonderful lifetime memories but there are times when I'd just like to look around and explore without potty breaks, meltdowns, or a case of the gimmes in the food court or gift shop.  Maybe you have felt a little like me, no?  Well if you have, now through September 30th, the Children's Museum invites you to "Be a Kid Again."

In fact, they want you to reclaim your childhood SO much that they're offering Adult Admission at Child's Admission Price (with coupon), making it up to $10 off for 2 adults.  So if you're looking for fun things to do in Indianapolis, don't automatically rule out a traditionally "kid-centric" attraction like the Children's Museum.  There's plenty to do and see whether you have little princes and princesses of your own or not (or whether you choose to bring them with you or not). 

And while you're there, be sure to take advantage of the great King Tut Exhibit at the Museum right now with or without kids.  But if you see me there, please do me a favor and don't tell my kids!  That's one I'd never hear the end of around the Castle.

One last thing before I forget, if you can't squeeze your trip to the Children's Museum in before the end of September, don't forget you can print a coupon good for a free child's admission (with adult purchase) on Visit Indy AND don't forget there are a ton of great Indianapolis Hotel Packages that feature Children's Museum tickets, too.

I typed the title of this post with a New York accent. Could you tell?

A little over a week ago Lara Neal posted about Stanley's New York Deli, one of the newer restaurants Indianapolis has to offer that is getting a lot of attention.

Well I take Lara and Stanley's Pastrami Sandwich and raise them the Shapiro's pastrami sandwich on rye.



HOLY NOM NOM NOM-I-NOM.

Think you know your pastrami? Are you a trans plated New Yorker? A New Yorker here with Indianapolis business? Maybe you're just a New Yorker at heart or have a weak spot for thinly sliced brisket, slightly melted Swiss cheese, fresh rye bread and a kiss of spicy mustard? *drool*

Well I hear by challenge you to a Pastrami off.

Stanley's vs. Shapiro's.

May the best brisket win.

(To be fair I haven't made it up to Stanley's yet. I'll make it someday! But Shapiro's...I drive by it at least once a week...oooh...pastrami...)

The dates for Gen Con are August 5-8 in 2010. Put it on your calendar because then you can't say I didn't warn you.

You don't play games? That's okay! You won't have very many opportunities to eat a cheeseburger with a Storm Trooper or get your picture taken with an ogre anywhere else so you had better embrace the opportunity while you have it.

A full conference pass is under $100 and you'll have access to everything Gen Con, or simply do what we do each year and take a walk through the Indianapolis convention center. Maybe you'll be invited in on an impromptu game of who knows what, see an ogre or have the opportunity to throw coins at an enormous tower of Magic cards for charity's sake.

No one has ever come away from Gen Con disappointed with their experience, be it a simple pass through the convention center or 19 straight hours of Dungeons and Dragons. And as usual there is always family day on Sunday where you can spend the day with your family at the best four days in gaming at the most attended gaming conference in the world. THE WORLD!

(Also, the "Gen" in Gen Con is short for Geneva, since the conference originated up at Lake Geneva. Con is for conference. I pass all my wisdom on to you people.)

Okay so if you want to get all intelligent and say that the Artsgarden is a garden for growing art, then okay, it's a garden.

But if you're like me you'll be a little surprised when you go into the gigantic glass bubble suspended 17 feet over the busy intersection of Washington and Illinois in downtown Indianapolis and not see very many gardeny things.

The art however is apparent.

Almost every afternoon at lunch time there is a free concert in the Artsgarden featuring any and every type of music you can imagine. A great place to bring your lunch and spend part of your afternoon whether you are a local or in town for business.

Another fantastic feature of the Artsgarden is that it also houses a visitors center that is staffed during normal business hours. This is the place to go if you just got in and need a list of any and all cultural events going on in the city. Constantly updated and well stocked with literature you're sure to find something to do (you know, if you don't find it here first.)

The Artsgarden connects the Circle Centre Mall to several Indianapolis hotels and also if the weather outside is frightful you can even make it all the way over to the Indiana Convention Center by just following the signs and sky walks.

A great place to get out of the house in the heat of summer or the freezing temperatures of winter, it's always the perfect temperature with perfect views of downtown Indianapolis.

Sometimes you just can't help it. There are going to be days when you just want to stay indoors. It could be raining, snowing, cold or hot. However, there are still plenty of things to do in Indianapolis that don't require you to be outside.

Recently my family and I went to a new place on the south side of town called The Incredible Pizza Company. It's located just off  U.S. 31, a few blocks north of County Line Road. They have a variety of the latest video games, indoor go-karts, bumper cars, miniature bowling and even black-light miniature golf. I was even surprised at the selection of food that's available. Your family can select from salad, pizza, Mexican, or home-style American and Italian. An interesting part of the The Incredible Pizza Company concept is it has a variety of dining rooms with different decor motifs: a high school gym, 50's diner, drive-in theater and relaxing family living room. It reminded me of the different themed dining options available at Walt Disney World.

If you're looking for an Indianapolis business closer to downtown, head to Jillian's. Bowling, arcades, pool tables and plenty of TVs provide more entertainment geared towards an older crowd. Jillian's requires kids to be with an adult at all times, and you must be 21 and older on weekends after 10 p.m.

Just northwest of downtown Indianapolis is Xscape, located at the Lafayette Square Mall near 38th street and I-65. Xscape is another 75,000 square foot indoor amusement park that has all the options provided by other locations and more, including laser tag and smaller amusement rides.

If you're on the northside of Indianapolis, Dave & Buster's has its entertainment facility in Castleton. There are numerous fun activities and attractions for the young and the old. Dave & Busters also has a great selection of food items that add to the experience. Similar to Jillian's downtown, Dave & Busters targets an older crowd, but is still very family friendly.

I love restaurant dining. Of course, I love eating. Period. But I particularly enjoy at least one of three things when I'm dining out.

1. Saving money
2. Eating with friends and family
3. Finding a local, independent restaurant to support

You can accomplish at least two of those options by stopping by the VisitIndy.com website and printing some of the coupons we have available. With the money you're going to save, you can invite some friends and family to join you!

We've got coupons for some of the best restaurants in downtown Indianapolis. At least half a dozen of them are located within short walking distance from the Indiana Convention Center!

Some of my favorites on the list are Claddagh Irish Pub, Shapiro's Deli, Scotty's Brewhouse, McCormick & Schmick's Seafood, Buca di Beppo and BARcelona Tapas Restaurant.

There are a few others I'm not as familiar with that I'm going to have to try out, such as India Garden Restaurant, Smokehouse on Shelby and The Taste of Tango.

You'll find free appetizers, desserts and other discounts  by using one of our coupons. So get out of the house, enjoy yourself and be Positively Indy!

The State Fair is going on right now and there is plenty of great entertainment to fill your schedule throughout the next week. When the fair is over though, don't think there aren't other Indianapolis attractions to bring fun times and great food to your local calendar.

Here are just a few of the different festivals that are coming up over the next few weeks. Each event celebrates the local group's culture and Indianapolis history.

ARTSPARKLE: Mardi Gras (Saturday, August 22nd)

Indiana Native American History Festival (Saturday, August 29th)German American Klub's Oktoberfest 2009 (September 9th - September 12th)

I think one of the most iconic locations in downtown Indianapolis is Monument Circle. You may think the reference to "Circle City" is in response to the Indianapolis 500 race that happens every year.

It doesn't.

The history of the term really came from the original layout of streets in the civic design by Alexander Ralston. Originally the center of the circle was the Governor's mansion. In the mid 1800's the mansion was demolished and replaced by the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

Let me remind you though- there's more to the circle than the monument! Have you ever seen it be transformed into  a Christmas tree!? 

First there are pockets of great stores on the circle. Check out the South Bend Chocolate Company if you'd like a sweet treat. If you want great coffee, fresh sandwiches and salads and free wi-fi, then Au Bon Pain is perfect for you and they offer outdoor dining.

If you're not looking for food, Hilbert Circle Theater, home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is there. The beautiful Christ Church Cathedral is on the circle as well, along with numerous other businesses and retail shops.

One of my favorite scenes in Indianapolis is to drive on Meridian or Market streets, which both intersect the circle, and see everyone sitting on the circle, having a lunch and meandering around the monument on a beautiful sunny day.

Come on down and see for yourself that there's a whole lot more in the center of the circle in downtown Indianapolis than a big monument. See why we're still raising the game in Indianapolis and how we're Positively Indy!

Golf is one of those things to do in Indianapolis that gives you a little bit of everything. If you like the outdoors, conversation with friends and a bit of a personal sports challenge, golfing is just about the perfect past time.

The Hoosier Caddy golf site helps you find the right course in your area of Indianapolis. It doesn't matter if you live in Indianapolis or travel here for business or pleasure, if you're looking for an Indianapolis attraction with golf at the center, then Hoosier Caddy will have the information you need. Being a local Indianapolis business also gives you the feeling of getting a great tip from a friend on where to play your next round of golf.

The Hoosier Caddy website provides maps, listings, photos and golfer reviews for courses all over the Hoosier state. If you're looking for golf in  Indiana, then you've scored a hole-in-one with Hoosier Caddy.

I have a couple of different connections to the folks behind Hoosier Caddy and my cousin and uncle both work for Buffer Park Golf Course on the south side. Everyone I've come into contact with has had positive things to say about what Hoosier Caddy has to offer for golfers in Indianapolis.

May your drives be straight, your putt count low and your birdies high in Indianapolis!

Indianapolis attracts passionate people.

This weekend especially.

This weekend brings Gen Con to downtown Indianapolis. (Starting August 13-August 16)

Last year over 26,000 people traveled from all over the world to attend the largest annual gaming convention that is held right here in downtown Indianapolis at the Indianapolis Convention Center and surrounding hotels.

Last year I was part of a Ninjas vs. Pirates peace summit. I watched a Sith slay a Jedi. I talked to a mechanical phoenix on a guys shoulder. I walked through a room where people played Dungeons and Dragons 24 hours a day for the entire four day conference. I was plumed by pirates and sat next to Storm Troopers later that night at dinner.

Ask any local and they'll tell you that Gen Con is one of the best times to head downtown for people watching. You don't even need a conference pass to people watch. But if you're interested, passes can be purchased on site for up to all four days and all events of the conference.

While there will be child only activities throughout Gen Con, Sunday is specifically set aside for families. For $28 a family of four can get in on all of the action as Gen Con winds down for yet another year.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to brush up on my WoW knowledge.

Looking for something more unique to do in Indianapolis after work? Come visit the Easley Winery in downtown Indianapolis!

Jack and Joan Easley started making wine in their basement in the late 60's and their passion soon grew to setting up the Indiana Wine Growers Guild and starting business as Easley Winery in 1974. The rest is all now part of Indianapolis history and still growing strong today.

On Tuesday and Saturday nights from now through September there's "Groovin' In The Garden". Feel free to take the kids with you  because they'll have their own sparkling grape juice, fruit and nuts along with coloring books and crayons just for them.

You can even order meals from some of your favorite Indianapolis restaurants and have them deliver right to your table in the Easley Winery garden. Knowing Bazbeaux Pizza and Santorini Greek Kitchen were options was music to my ears.

If you enjoy wine, live music and a great time with friends, then Easley Winery is the place to be. Free tours on Saturday and Sundays and free wine tastings every day of the week, you don't need much more reason to stop by and relax.

One of the items I've always liked about Indianapolis is the ease of getting around and taking care of business in the city. Everything is nicely arranged with most streets intersecting at 90 degree angles and running like a gridline.

Sometimes though, you're looking for some fun and a break from the ordinary. You need to discover Massachusetts Avenue, or Mass Ave for short, for yourself. Mass Avenue always has an assortment of fun things to do in Indianapolis while you're here.

Mass Ave is lined with great little businesses that offer almost anything you could be looking for in a quick diversion from the normality of your day. Fabulous food and dining is available steps from wherever you may be. Artwork in small, independent galleries like the McFee Gallery and Studio and the Ruschman Art Gallery, which have works of art across a variety of media like paintings, sculpture and photography. Let's not forget the shopping either: toys, clothing, fudge, gifts, art and other collectibles you're not going to find any other place in Indianapolis.

Remember, you're getting away from the ordinary and venturing just northwest of downtown Indianapolis. You'll have a blast and you'll remember it the next time you need to get away. While you're there I'd recommend lunch at Yat's and then some delicious German fare at The Rathskeller.

Mass Ave has restaurants you won't find in any other city in the country, and they're all right here in downtown Indianapolis!

My family and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather on Sunday afternoon and visit the Indianapolis Zoo downtown. We hadn't been to the zoo since the new Dragons of Komodo exhibit opened and were excited to get outside and enjoy the animals and the beautiful weather.

Our family loves the zoo and we've enjoyed a family membership for a number of years. We take advantage of the Family + 2 membership package that allows us to take our entire family, plus two guests. The package includes admission to the zoo and White River Gardens as well as parking for the day.

There was a bit of construction taking place around the "Plains" and elephant habitat area. We were pleasantly surprised that the Indianapolis Zoo will be getting a brand new cheetah exhibit in this area in the spring of 2010. Judging by the pictures of the layout that's being created, this is going to be a fantastic addition to the zoo.

If you can't get to the zoo but want to check-in on the animals, you can also take advantage of the Indianapolis Zoo web cams. There are cameras available for the walruses, elephants, penguins, sea lions and rhinos.

If you're coming to Indianapolis on business and would like to visit the zoo, it offers group discounts available and facilities for hosting small meetings. What a great way to take a break from your normal surroundings at a business convention and get out and get a little wild yourself.

Upon completion of Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis gained new fans in welcoming the annual Drum Corps International competition to our new state of the art stadium.

Now the extent of my drum knowledge is from college football halftime shows and the movie "Drum Line" but I enjoyed them both immensely. And my kid? Loves banging on anything and everything resembling a drum.

Coming up this week is basically the Superbowl of marching music competition including performers from all over the world. Not only will the elite perform elaborate routines against each other throughout the week at Lucas Oil Stadium, there will also be an individual and ensemble competition that is free and open to the public at 11 am on Wednesday at the Indiana Convention Center. There will also be a Fan Fair at White River State Park on Friday and Saturday.

Tickets for the DCI World Championships are available through Ticketmaster and the event runs August 5th-August 8th. If nothing else you need to give these kids' moms a hand for putting up with HOURS OF DRUMMING in the sanctity of their homes so that they could get to this level of competition.

While I'll be watching Drum Corps in awe, I'll be playing Rock Band at home.

This past weekend I celebrated my birthday and my wife surpised me with a night out in Indianapolis at a great restaurant with some great friends. I had no idea where we were going and my initial thoughts were sushi at Yokohama in Greenwood, or Greek at Santorini Kitchen in Fountain Square, just south of downtown Indianapolis. Although both of those businesses would have been perfect for just such an evening, I was wrong on both guesses.

We eventually arrived at Palomino Restaurant Rotisseria and Bar. We met two other couples and had a very enjoyable and long dinner. I treated myself to a 20oz Brick Oven Long Bone Ribeye for my meal, but we got things started with some calamari, red crab and artichoke dip, Portabella mushroom soup and bruschetta for appetizers.

After our fantastic meal, we dropped off our friends and ended up joining others for an impromptu late-night out in downtown Indianapolis at Howl at the Moon. Nightclubs aren't normally my destination of choice, but we had a great time with the World's Greatest Rock 'N' Roll Dueling Piano Show. The place was still packed at midnight and we sang and had fun until well after 2am before heading home and calling it a night.

If you're looking for something fun in Indianapolis, there's always something going on, whether it's a surprise dinner at a fantastic restaurant like Palomino or an impromptu, late-night visit to your favorite club.

The Drum Corps International World Championships will be marching into Lucas Oil Stadium and Indianapolis in just a few weeks, August 5-8. I'm not sure if you have any experience or previous knowledge of marching band from you days in high school but this is the equivalent of professional marching band competitions that have all the drama and presentation of a Broadway show!

I spent over seven years in my high school marching band. No, I wasn't failing every other year of high school either. My band director in 6th grade was also the high school band director. He asked me if I wanted to fill a hole in the show. He didn't need me to be able to play the music that well; I just needed to march in formation and I agreed. I've been a "band geek" ever since. And let me tell you, those of us in the band have a comraderie and family closeness that many sports teams wish they could attain.

With all of those years of experience, you can take it from me! The DCI World Championships are lots of fun and are great for your entire family to attend. You'll see the various drum corps come to the city and get down to business as they compete for the world championship honor!

Indianapolis is proud to host this great event in our city and at an amazing venue like Lucas Oil Stadium. In addition, DCI is hosting their first DCI Fan Fair at the White River State Park. With the DCI World Championships in addition to other city attractions and events, your family will have an unforgettable getaway.

Be sure and sign-up for the Win In Indy email club for upcoming promotions on this event including a chance to win free tickets for you and your family.

If you're already planning on coming to the event, be sure and visit our website for deals on hotel packages and other local businesses you can experience during your visit to the Circle City.

Music, marching, dance, showmanship, competition and flair! It's all here in Indianapolis the first week of August. Be sure and join us and see how we're Positively Indy!

If you haven't been to Indianapolis in a while, or if you haven't visited our city, then you've not experienced the new Indianapolis International Airport. The new airport is a terrific addition to our city and one of our first steps to welcoming visitors from around the world to the city.

The airport serves more than 8 million travelers a year with great, low fares that makes it even easier to get to Indianapolis and experience everything we have to offer visitors. It doesn't matter if you're coming for business or a weekend getaway.

The new airport has a variety of convenient and helpful services and businesses to make things easier for you. The airport offers free wireless Internet service throughout the facility. Also available are a wide variety of dining options that give you a taste of what the rest of the city has to offer during your stay. You can grab a haircut before that important business meeting or relax at the spa on your way out after a long day.

Welcome to Indianapolis and welcome to the new Indianapolis International Airport. Putting all the pieces together for a great experience and making it Positively Indy!

If you're visiting Indianapolis this week you've probably already noticed that the business of racing is in town again and it's for the Allstate^® 400 at the Brickyard^® NASCAR event running at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 26th.

The 400-mile NASCAR event hosted at the Speedway has a 15 year history in the racing capital of the world. The Allstate 400 has become the largest attended event on the NASCAR circuit. Fans will travel for miles to witness this great event as they have been for more than a decade. This year's race will be celebrating the Centennial Era of the track, so there will be plenty of activities to take part in during the weekend

If you're still debating on coming into town, don't think the race is all that's going on in the city. There are still plenty of other activities taking place here and in the  surrounding area that may interest you and your family. If you'd like to make a weekend of your trip, you can view one of our Indianapolis packages on our website.

Whether you're coming to town with your family, or looking for a getaway with some friends, there is sure to be a hotel package that combines everything you want into one terrific deal.

All the options and all the fun are what make this city... Positively Indy!