Hello readers! 

Feeling like you're seeing no new content lately?

Wondering where the Queen of Free is spreading her coupon fortune?

Or maybe where Bill Benner went with his Indy Insight?

And where the heck did Lara go with her latest foodie 411?

Fear no more!

I am here to kindly inform you of our new blog site @ blog.visitindy.com. 

There you can find all of us bloggers typing away with new ideas and new things to do in Indianapolis.

This is your formal invitation to our new home. So come check it out, spread the word and  remember that additional guests are welcome. :)

Ever heard of First Friday?

Neither had I until a friend mentioned it to me as we were milling about the City Market this afternoon. (Have you gone yet? The season is coming to an end GO! NEXT WEEK! GO GO!)

Apparently on the "First Friday" of every month from 6-9 p.m. over two dozen art galleries in downtown Indianapolis open their doors to the public for a family friendly art crawl (is that what you guys call them here? Back in Utah we called them art crawls...I'm the writer here so art crawl it is.)

Just imagine...first Friday of the month...milling about...taking in the vast array of visual arts available right here in downtown Indianapolis. Travel from Mass Ave to Fountain Square to other pockets of art greatness around the city and end up at the closing reception (the venue for this changes each month.)

There's nothing I love more than some good milling about.

At last month's First Friday my daughter's best friend was able to paint with her feet in a parking lot. You're thinking "AWESOME!" right?

You will be able to visit with local artists (several dozen are involved in "the scene") and walk from gallery to gallery in some some if downtown Indianapolis' richest cultural districts. (Yes, we totally have cultural districts and yes they are totally fantastic.) Maybe you'll even get to paint with your feet.

There's an online map available at the Indianapolis Downtown Artists and Dealers Association site (IDADA) and maps are also available at participating galleries.

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.

I have always, always wanted a model train circling my Christmas tree.

Also, I had a friend in high school who was embarrassed that her dad had remodeled their entire downstairs to accommodate a full on model train set, it circled through every room, in and and out of walls and culminated in a giant village with lights and wee little townspeople.

She was embarrassed, I was jealous.

It was awesome.

I know there's a lot of train enthusiasts/dorks/fans/hardcore hobbyists out there. Not to mention I'm well aware of train infatuations with the 4' and under set. Thomas who? (So thankful I have a girl.)

Coming to theIndiana State Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday September 26-27th from 10 am- 4 pm is The Great Train Expo, a travelling train show for those who love things that go Choo. $7 for adults and totally free for kids 12 and under. We're talking scale layouts, trains to ride on and LEGOs. LEGO trains people.

Sure we have the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indianapolis 500 race and plenty of other things to do in Indianapolis that involve wheels, but you parents of little boys, you look at those little bug squishers in the eye and ask them if a race car capable of speeds in excess of 200 mph has anything on trains. Then you look in the mirror and ask yourself, has Ringo Starr ever narrated the Indy 500?

I think you know the answer.

Trains rule, cars drool. (This weekend at least.)

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.

I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before or not but I kind of have a thing for Indiana and Indianapolis history.  In fact, I probably know more a bit more than your average bear about such things but it's only because I get so sucked in by how interesting this city is!  If you're looking for something free, fun, unique and with a historical twist this fall/winter, um I have a great deal for you.

John Dillinger, the notorious gangster, was a Native Hoosier, born right here in Indianapolis.  Perhaps you heard a little something about another fella named John starring in a movie about his life this summer, no?  So if you've seen Public Enemies or are planning to see it (or just have an interest in the man), I highly suggest you check out the Dillinger! Forging a Hoosier Legend Exhibit at the Indiana State Library, an amazingly beautiful building and research facility in its own right.  *Which brings me to an interestingly random side note.  I *heart* the Indianapolis Newspaper Collection on microfilm located at the Indiana State Museum.  Could spend HOURS - and have - reeling through it.  Seriously, one of my favorite things to do in Indianapolis and yes I know my geek slip is showing right now.  Interesting stuff people.  History rawks (Am I trying too hard to overcompensate for nerdy self with trendy misspelling of word?  Probably, but oh well.).*  Random Academic Rant/Psychoanalysis ends, Blog Post continues . . .  There will be plenty of historical documents and photos to cue you in on the real John Dillinger (can't attest to the reel John Dillinger as I haven't seen the movie yet) and tell the sordid but adventuresome tale of his life's journey.

And of course, it's completely FUH-REE and runs through the end of the year.  Check out this exhibit . . . and no promises but you just might find me sinking my quarters into the microfilm projector printing out random Indianapolis Star Articles from 1919.  It's kind of how I roll.

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.

As if seeing the elephants and monkeys wasn't fun enough all on its own, the folks at the Indianapolis Zoo want to make your weekend even more enjoyable.  To celebrate the kiddos heading back to school, the folks at the Zoo in conjunction with Radio Disney are hosting a concert (free with your zoo admission) on Saturday, September 12th.  At noon, teen sensation Savannah Outen will not only be belting out tunes for your listening pleasure but also have an autograph session afterward.  Which oddly enough brings me to the following thought.  I wonder if elephants can dance.  I mean, I know I've seen segments on 60 Minutes where they paint, but a good session of elephant popping and locking would really take the cake.  If they can paint, they obviously have an artistic inclination.  Why wouldn't an elephant be able to get down?

I digress . . . of course on the Visit Indy Coupon Page, you'll find a handy dandy coupon for 10% off Zoo Admission.  AND there are several great Indianapolis Packages that include hotel and Zoo tickets.  Seriously, free concert, package deals, coupons for admission . . . it's like I'm throwing stuff at you.  Now, if I could only figure out a way to make the elephants dance.  You might just be my best friend.

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.

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.

Ok so it's not a major Hollywood Blockbuster (or the subsequent sequel) but many area Indianapolis Museums are participating in National Museum Day 2009 on Saturday, September 26.  What does that exactly mean?  Well I'm so glad you asked.  Those fine folks at Smithsonian Magazine have decided to pay for you AND a friend to go to the museum for the day.  Yep, aren't they sweet?  It's your chance to learn a little more about Indianapolis History (and just learn period) for free!

So basically what you need to do is go here and pick your Indianapolis Participating Venue.  I'm having a hard time choosing between the Indianapolis State Museum (pictured left) in Downtown Indianapolis and Conner Prairie in nearby Fishers because I love both.  And then the agony sets in when I realize that I've never been to the Benjamin Harrison Home, the Indianapolis Art Center, OR The Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections which I am POSITIVE the Eldest Princess who is aged 7 would love, love, love.  National Museum Day why do you torture me so?!?  Oh, I'm sorry.  You were wanting to know how to get free passes, weren't you?  I got a little sidetracked.  

After you make your agonizing decision of which amazing place to go, then you simply fill out this form and print two admission passes.  Easy cheesy and of course free.  And since you're all in the mood of saving money and doing fun things in Indianapolis, check out Visit Indy's Restaurant Coupon Page to have some dinner out on the cheap after all that learnin'.  

Did you know downtown Indianapolis will be transformed into a Regatta this weekend?  I didn't either until one of my Loyal Royal Readers informed of it on Facebook today.  I hopped on over to the Visit Indy site and sure enough, there she was.   A first for Indianapolis, check out the inaugural IUPUI Regatta, a half mile canoe race on Canal!  

The competition is held between students, alumni, faculty and staff of the University and unfortunately the registration has passed.  However, you can still watch all of the racing this weekend for free!  And better yet, there will be free live entertainment and free parking, too.  And there are a plethora of vendors, carnival activities (bounce house, face painting, and caricatures), and a DUCK race! (I am assuming they are rubber ducks, no?  Because I'm not sure real ducks are that interested in racing.  I have never seen a duck with racing stripes, have you?)  I am positive the Youngest Princess might have a conniption fit quacking if that's the case.  "Quack" is one of her best words.

So if you don't have plans tomorrow, paddle your way downtown and check out Indy's first (hopefully of many) Regatta.  Great free fun for folks of all ages.  And do me a quick favor by sending out a quack or two at the passing ducks (or canoeist or two if you don't see a duck; they'll just think you're cheering for them).  The Youngest Princess thanks you for using one of her favorite words and enjoying free fun.

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...)