Looking for something fun to do this weekend?  Remember that you can go to the Great Train Expo or catch a Fever Game or don't forget about the awesome FREE National Museum Day but if you're looking for things to do in Indianapolis this weekend that are a little more outside, a little less inside I have the best bet for you!  

If rock climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, hiking, fishing, or shooting sports are your thing, you don't want to miss the Hoosier Outdoor Experience at Fort Harrison State Park this Saturday and Sunday, September 26-27th (9 AM - 6 PM).  There are so many things to do that I can't even begin to list them all here but be certain that this family friendly event will have something for everyone in your tribe - big or small, young or young at heart.  With plenty of free parking and awesome activities, the event is completely free (although they do ask you to register).  And rain or shine, the show will go on!

So if you've ever wondered if you could be an awesome fly fisherman, wanted to wield an arrow like Robin of the Hood, or had an uncontrollable urge to throw a plate up in the air and yell "PULL", would like to see some Dog Demos (I hope they demonstrate cooking because that would be nothing short of awesome), you want to check out this fun fall event.  Get Into the Great Outdoors at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience.

White River Gardens is about to go through a transformation. (Okay, so all of Indianapolis, Indiana is about to go through a transformation, but White River Gardens has all sorts of trees in one place and they're all labeled so it really makes life easier.)


The changing of the colors is one of the main end of summer Indianapolis events.

Pretty!

Colors!

And since the butterflies have moved on to greener pastures (or hopefully South America) tiny little well manicured Bonsai trees have moved into their place Saturday, September 26th-November 8th.

*Wait please.*  Channelling my inner cheerleader.  Ok, I'm good.  Chant it with me . . . "We've Got Fever, Yes We Do . . . We've Got Fever, How 'Bout You?"
 
So I'm not ashamed to admit it, I was totally a cheerleader in high school (for all four years, thank you, very much) and some of that team spirit still resounds in my soul.  Like Casey, I got to take my family to an Indiana Fever game this summer (and have been in the past) and I agree that it really is one of the best things to do in Indianapolis.  Along with the King of Free (that's my husband of course), I was seriously impressed with this year's squad.  They played with post season intensity during a regular 'ole home game.  They were HUNGRY for a win (and they got it, too).  

It's no surprise at all that the Fever are in this year's Eastern Conference Finals.  Last night, (9/26) they faced off with the Detroit Shock. Tomorrow, Friday (9/25) they come home to get their revenge in Game 2 and then clinch the title in Game 3 on Saturday.  Even if you've never been to a Fever game before, it's time to jump on the bandwagon and root, root, root for our hometown team.  

Why not grab 3 friends (or your family members) and head to the game with a Fever Four Pack.  Tickets are only $12 a piece AND you get a voucher for a free Fever T-shirt.  A great deal, a great team, a great time.  What are you waiting for?  And do a little DE-FENSE cheer for me when you're in the stands mmmkay?  Channel your inner cheerleader.  I know you can do it.

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.)

First of all, remember when we were all sayonara Komodo Dragons! See you later! And their set goodbye date was September 6th? Well, they're still here and still a fantastic example of giant creepy I-want-to-eat-your-little-girl glory. No promises on when they'll actually be leaving but in case you missed them over the summer you really should check the giant scaled things out. Plus you'll get to have a sneak peek at the new exhibit coming next spring, CHEETAHS.

My husband is already dead set on racing one. I'm considering selling tickets. Anyone interested? It should be the Indianapolis sports event of the season.

Once again, just like last weekend this one (September 18-20) promises something for everyone.

For those of you going through fair withdrawals, Conner Prairie is hosting the Country Fair this weekend. Imagine the state fair only instead of carnies, think corn hole. Replace deep fried Snickers with sack races. And of course, replace MC Hammer with the bearded lady. So really they're nothing alike aside from a good time with the family.

Right in downtown Indianapolis at Military Park is the 14th annual Irish Fest. Yes. There will be beer. But! There will also be music, dancing, food, hurling (and not from the beer) and a even a special Mass on Sunday. There's free admission offered during certain hours of the festival and if I keep going I'm going to do my Irish heritage dishonor by typing with the Lucky Charms Leprechaun accent. Every detail can be found with links here.

Also this Saturday, the ladies of the Indiana Fever, our very own WNBA team, have made it to the playoffs. Their next playoff home game is this Saturday at 7pm at Conseco Fieldhouse. Want to know more about taking the family to a Fever game? Go here. The excitement around the playoffs should make for an even more exciting atmosphere.

For a complete list of things to do in Indianapolis this weekend check the "What to Do" calendar at visitindy.com.

Let's talk about Downtown Indianapolis for a moment.

Oh how it breaks my heart when one of my friends announced "We just don't go downtown that often."

My first response is "WHY THE HECK NOT?" (Yes, heck. You can take the girl out of Utah but apparently you can't take the Utah out of the girl.)

I spent the last weekend in another midwestern city within driving distance to Indianapolis, which shall remain nameless. We headed downtown to walk around and do some of that milling about I'm such a big fan of.

Their downtown was dead.

No one walking around. No one dancing on fountains or playing music on the street corner. No one eating outside at a sidewalk cafe in the sunshine. There were hardly any cars on the streets let alone people walking around.

Of all the free things to do in Indianapolis, going downtown has to be one of the best. It can be composed of anything you want it to be. There are theaters, markets, museums, restaurants, cafes, sports, restaurants, shopping,restaurantss and music all within walking distance of any downtown Indianapolis hotels.

We go downtown often. Sometimes it's just my daughter and I, other times it's just my husband and I. Sometimes it's just me. Or me and my girlfriends. Or all of us as a family.

You get the idea.

Morning, afternoon, nights, weekends, weekdays, there's always SOMETHING.

If you haven't been downtown, or it's not on your list of things to do or see, fix that. Now. Because we have one of the most fantastic downtowns I've been in. Seriously.

Well, I honestly almost feel like I'm insulting your intelligence when I tell you one of the best things to do in Indianapolis for free is to visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art. If you live locally, you automatically tell everyone you know . . . if you want something free to do in Indy, then the IMA is the place to be.  In fact, Casey blogged not too long ago about the fantastic free Family Tours going on now through May '10.  And there are so many other great opportunities, too!

If you're feeling fallish, there's no better place to be on the Autumn Equinox, greeting the new season (which is Sunday, September 20th this year for you non-sciencey geeky types who don't live to stand eggs up on their end once or twice a year) from Noon to 4:30 PM than the IMA.  You can sample delicious locally grown fall fare from a special Farmer's Market, get advice from IMA horticulturalists, let the kiddos create art themselves, or watch a master Artist create a Fall Landscape before your very eyes.  There's nothing about standing eggs on end, but I bet if you bring your own, they might let you.  There will be tours to take, galleries to visit, and you can even buy fall plants for your own grounds at home.  

It's a perfect way to spend an Indy fall Sunday afternoon (*ahem* especially since the Colts play Monday Night Football that week!).  Check out the Indianapolis Museum of Art's Calendar on their website for more details.  And oh, please let me know if you get the egg to stand up on end.  I've never remembered to do that and am still not convinced that it wasn't just my Science teacher's ploy to get kids to bring him enough eggs to last a month.

Promise I'll shoosh about the City Market soon enough. But I have taken four different people on three different Wednesdays now and all of them rave about how fantastic the City Market in downtown Indianapolis is.

Music. Food. Fresh flowers. Corn. Angel Food Cake. (OH THE CAKE!) Tamales. 

All here, free smells. Cheap zucchini. (Seriously, 2 for $1.00 , fresh, from a local farm.)





Every Wednesday now through October 28th.

Just East of Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis.

Pardon my absence, but I have been outside from sun up to sun down with my little kid enjoying the sunshine and this fantastic weather. (Plus she got a new bike and if I let her ride it to Illinois I'm pretty sure she would.)

I've missed out on telling you about some fantastic things to do in Indianapolis this weekend so fasten your seat belts because HERE WE GO!

First of all, the CIRCUS! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is in downtown Indianapolis now through Sunday September 13th, Cherie covered it all here but if you need more info go here.

Second. Up at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in the Pepsi Coliseum is the All American Horse Classic. It's free parking and free admittance for everyone and it's fantastic just to sit back and watch dozens of horses go hoof to hoof in various competitions. The All American Horse Classic runs through Saturday the 12th.

Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. at Military Park Downtown is the Chinese American Festival, with food, festivities and thousands of years of Chinese culture in one place for one (quite possibly perfect) day.

For you artsy types, don't forget that the Penrod Arts Fair is from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on the campus of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. There's an admission fee to Penrod but for locals and art lovers alike it's an absolute at the end of every summer.

And don't forget about the Safari Sundays (SUNDAES, AS IN ICE CREAM) every Sunday up at Trader's Point Creamery.

Is that everything? No. Of course not. But it's some of our family's favorite things to do in Indianapolis as summer winds down and fall starts up.

Check the calendar at VisitIndy.com for even more events in Indianapolis this weekend.

Ok so there are totally days when I feel like I live in the middle of a three ringed circus.  If you're anything like me, somedays you feel like the bearded lady and somedays the ringmaster and somedays simply a clown.  This week, if you're looking for things to do in Indianapolis and you feel like you already have your circus card, why not head to the most Amazing Show on Earth right in downtown Indianapolis.  That's right, September 10-13 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey are rolling into town to set up their "tent" at Conseco Fieldhouse.  

And of course the Queen wouldn't want you to blow your bucks at the Circus without saving a few so here are your best bets for a successful circus trip that doesn't leave you needing to join the circus just to pay off your tickets.

1) Go on opening night!  You can get tickets for as low as $10 on Opening Night.  Woohoo.  The Office hasn't premiered yet, you have no excuses.

2) If you're military personnel (including Retired, National Guard, Reserve, or Active Duty), check out these great ways you can save at any Circus performance.

3) Take advantage of the Animal Open House 90 minutes before the show which is free to all ticket holders!  You can get up close and personal with the animals and the performers for a once in a life time experience!

If you want to print a free commemorative certificate to celebrate your experience at the circus, you can do that here.  And if you're still thinking about running away to join the circus check out the Aptitude Test here.  I say embrace your inner Circus Clown and throw a bucket of confetti at the crowd.

Let me let you in on a little known secret.  Some of the very best parts of Indianapolis, you can't visit.  Nope, it's not because we're trying to keep you out of our secret hiding places.  And it's not some sort of sacred Hoosier Code.  It's because some of the very best Indianapolis Attractions aren't Attractions at all, they're people.  Indianapolis' people would still make her an awesome city even if we didn't have great events like Indianapolis 500 Race or great hotels or great restaurants (all of which we do and we're glad).

Indy's Queen of Free hopes from time to time to highlight some of the amazing places that show that Indy is a City that Cares.  First up in this series, is The Earth House Collective.  Self described as "a group of peace activists, conservationists, artists, musicians, Methodists, teachers and many more dedicated to peace, wellness, community and culture on the corner of New York and East streets in downtown Indianapolis," Earth House has so much to offer!  From a 100% Organic and Fair Trade Coffee Shop to Social Justice Film Festivals (where oftentimes the directors themselves appear for Q & A after the film), Art Exhibits, Yoga and Dance Classes, Lectures, and Live Music, the place busts with culture.  In fact, Earth House was even a venue for the recent Indy Fringe Festival.  But the best thing about Earth House is that is fueled by the power of people -  many volunteers and donations keep the place running.  And they seek to pour any money that is made back into the community, filling it with more life and energy.  I can guarantee that you'll come away from Earth House with a different lens on the world, realizing that there are truly caring people seeking to make it a better place, taking on the really big problems facing us one by one in creative ways.

I have to admit that anytime I see a red sign marked "SALE" I get chills up and down my spine.  Nothing turns my crank like a good deal.  And I have all of these warm fuzzy memories of when our local mall used to have Sidewalk sales in the late summer/early fall.  Somehow, seeing the goods normally stuffed inside the store walls out in the hallway transformed the mall into a magic place.  And you could buy everything for a fraction of its original sale price.  It seems that my strange passion for cheap buys started early in life, huh?

Well if you're looking for something to do in downtown Indianapolis this Labor Day Weekend and you love Sidewalk Sales, too you're definitely going to want to check out the Sidewalk Sale on the Indianapolis Canal.  The sale features goods from both the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and the Indiana State Museum's Indiana Store (which is stocked with great IN made products INCLUDING Vera Bradley Bags which will be up to 50% off!).  Simply check out the sidewalk behind the Museums to get the skinny on all of the great deals.  The Sale will be held Saturday September 5th from 10 AM - 4 PM.



On top of that, on Labor Day - Monday September 7, the Eiteljorg is featuring $1 General Admission to the Museum (one of the best cultural and historical Indianapolis Attractions in my opinion!).  Wander on over from the Rib America Fest and get in a little culture on the cheap or maybe you can score a great deal at the Sidewalk Sale, too.

 If you're looking for a unique (and free!) family experience next week, check out the Disney A Christmas Carol Train Tour coming to Bargersville, IN (south of Indianapolis) on Wednesday, September 9, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

To celebrate the release of Disney's newest holiday film due out November 6, Disney has literally laid down track all over the country with a special train tour.  And now it's Indianapolis' turn to experience this amazing event.

The film looks to be amazing, a new 3D twist on the classic Dickens' tale featuring Jim Carrey as the infamous Mr. Ebeneezer Scrooge.  And to give you a sneak peek of how they made the movie and what it will look like, Disney has partnered with both HP and Amtrak to travel to 40 cities across the US and it's almost time for her to come chugging into Indianapolis' backyard.  

I honestly couldn't be more excited about the fact that they are bringing items on loan from the Charles Dickens Museum of London (moment of honesty, I'm a History AND a Literature Geek!).  But you can also become one with the film through HP's TouchSmart technology as it morphs you into a character from the film! 

Each of the four vintage cars pulled by the Amtrak locomotive will be filled with exhibits and activities, suitable for kids and adults alike.  A portable 3D Digital Theater will also be erected so that you can watch excerpts of the movie. I also read somewhere that there will be SNOW! Snow in September, even in temperamental Indiana, is a feat.  I'm sure the whole experience will be nothing short of magical.  That's kind of how Disney rolls.

To top things off, there will also be a chance to win an HP TouchSmart PC and a HP PhotoSmart Wireless Printer.  And the little Mouseketeer in your house can audition to be Indy's own Hometown MovieSurfer for the Disney Channel.  Radio Disney will be onsite, keeping everyone hopping, spinning Disney's favorite tunes.

It might seem like a little early to get into the Christmas spirit, but this is definitely a once in a lifetime experience.  So whether you live in Indianapolis or are visiting during an extended Labor Day Vacation, check out this fun event.  More than likely you'll see the Royal Family there.

I've been hearing commercials the last few weeks letting me know that the NHRA Mac Tools US Nationals are racing into O'Reilly Raceway Park this coming weekend. These races have  been coming to Indianapolis for the past 55 years and continue to run strong.

The "Super Bowl" of drag racing events starts this week and runs through September 7th. I've been planning on taking my son this year as I think he'd love to see the fast cars, but there's more than just racing.

There's also the amazing car show where he can see cars that are mechanical works of art and skill. All-in-all there's plenty to do over the course of the almost week long list of activities. This year they're even featuring a throwback to some older cars that have graced the track over the years.

A quick schedule of the events for the weekend include:

• 09/04/09 @ 5:30pm - Pro Qualifying
• 09/05/09 @ 12:00pm - Pro Qualifying
• 09/05/09 @ 5:45pm - Pro Qualifying
• 09/05/09 @ 1:15pm - Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle Elimination
• 09/05/09 @ 5:30pm - Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle Elimination
• 09/05/09 @ 7:40pm - Ringers Gloves Pro Bike Battle Elimination
• 09/06/09 @ 11:30am - Conclusion of pro qualifying
• 09/06/09 @ 2:30pm - Conclusion of pro qualifying
• 09/07/09 @ 11:00am - Final eliminations

If you're going to be in town this weekend and want to see some more Indianapolis sports in action then be sure to race on out to the NHRA Mac Tools US Nationals O'Reilly Raceway Park. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. If you can't make it out in person, there's going to be plenty of national TV coverage on ESPN and ESPN2.

I've written before that going to a WNBA Indiana Fever Game is not a horrible way to spend quality family time. I know because I took my family in downtown Indianapolis and we had a really good time. The fans are a lot more passionate than NBA fans honestly!(okay, when I say passionate I mean politely dedicated. NBA fans can get a LEEDLE CRAZY.) and the interaction and activities for kids is fantastic.



There are four games left in the regular season and the Fever has a special offer just for fans in Indiana. Using the code WNBABLOG at Ticketmaster when purchasing Fever tickets will get you one free ticket for every ticket you purchase. Have a family of four? Buy two tickets and all four of you are in for the price of two.

There aren't many things to do in Indianapolis with this kind of sweet deal.

Plus how awesome is it to be able to show our little girls some real role models?

Pretty awesome.

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.

IT'S ALMOST HERE! I've been waiting for what feels like an eternity and it's about to start up again. NFL pre-season games are already in full swing and teams are getting pumped for the upcoming games.

Indianapolis sports is taken seriously here in the city. The question at hand though is where's the best place to watch a Colts game? If it's an away game or if you're not one of the lucky ones with tickets to watch them live at Lucas Oil Stadium, where's the best place to enjoy the game with friends and food?

Let's hear it!

Where's the best place to watch a Colts game in Indianapolis?

I'm guessing one of BW3's Indianapolis locations would work, I'm sure there would be a heavy crowd at Scotty's Brewhouse downtown as well. They'll be opening their downtown Indianapolis location at 10 a.m. and serve breakfast for all Colts home games this season. I've heard quite a bit about the Blew Crew Sports Grill on the north side as well. Champps Downtown has loads of TV's, I'm sure that would work. My son loves sports, so I'm curious if there are any family friendly locations to watch the game.

Help me out and leave a comment on where you think the best place to watch a Colts game is this season. Even if you don't like football, what other location is the place to be to catch some Indianapolis sports in high-def goodness? It doesn't matter if it's in downtown Indianapolis or one of the surrounding areas. If it's a great place to watch the game, I want to hear about it!

With the kids back in school and the weather starting to cool off, taking a break with your family and enjoying the outdoors is a great way to spend your evenings and weekends. My kids have visited Conner Prairie, an interactive history park, for class field trips and other visits and absolutely love it!

The other attraction that Conner Prairie has in Indianapolis is that they've partnered with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for their Symphony on the Prairie. More than just the symphony performs as well. Some of the events in Indianapolis that are coming up on the schedule include:

• Rockapella (August 21-22)
• Glenn Miller Orchestra (August 28-29)
• An Evening with America (September 3-4)
• River City Brass Brand (September 5-6)

Another special event at Conner Prairie is the celebration of one of the earliest forms of flight. The 1859 Balloon Voyage is quite a celebration.

If you're looking for a bit of a different way to experience some Indianapolis history, you can visit Conner Prairie and mix your history with the sound of music and flight.

Dear Downtown Indianapolis Restaurants,
I know you've been missing me. But you see, the Indiana State Fair is in town and with all this food I can only eat once a year not much room is left for all of your healthy non fried options.
Behold, I bring unto you the true Indianapolis attractions during fair season.


Deep Fried Snickers Bar.


Funnel Cake, Fried Pickles and Cream Puff (in back.)

"Fresh" fried vegetables.

Can you feel the heartburn? I know I could. I will say that while I did try every single item listed above I did not finish any of them. Because really? One bite is all it takes. (Not pictured, roasted corn, Indiana Tenderloin Sandwich, lemon shake up, ice cream from the Dairy Barn, elephant ear and King Tater.)

The Indiana State Fair runs through August 23, 2009. Plenty of time to get your antacid on.

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)