*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.)

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.

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.

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.

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 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!

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.

I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad, but it's been an enjoyable process finding all the great places to eat out for lunch or dinner at restaurants in downtown Indianapolis.

In August, Devour Downtown is having their summer event where local restaurants provide great deals to encourage you to come in and give them a try. The event lasts from August 10-23. And be prepared because there are a ton of great participating restaurants in downtown Indianapolis! I've experienced 13 of the more than 30 restaurants and I can't wait to complete the package.

Greek, Italian, steaks, seafood, comfort food or cosmopolitan fare, it's all here.

If you're in town due to some Indianapolis travel, many of the restaurants featured are located in some hotels. If it's not located in the hotel, it's probably within easy walking distance. A compact and walkable downtown- one of the many things we like to brag about here in Indianapolis!

Great food! Great prices! Experience everything Indy has to offer that makes us Positively Indy!

This past weekend Indianapolis hosted the Drum Corps International World Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium and my views of Drum Corps and marching music will forever be altered. (Notice how I didn't say marching band? Bands have woodwinds, Drum Corps do not. You say "marching band" in front of drum corps fans and you will be corrected.)People traveled from all over the nation to downtown Indianapolis, some even spent all afternoon in darkened movie theaters in various cities across the country to watch dozens of hours of coverage of this end of season spectacular. Lucas Oil Stadium proved to be perfectly suited for hosting DCI and I can only imagine will continue to grow each subsequent year.

(Oh yes, they already announced that tickets are available for next year.)

As far as the people who went with me, my daughter lasted for a couple of hours, the color guard lines and flags were pretty enthralling to her, although she did want to know when the football players were coming out.

My husband would have stayed longer but the little kid was getting restless (we had spent the day swimming,) besides, he would have liked football players to come out too.

Now I truly believe the best way to enjoy a DCI show is to find a friend who grew up participating in similar events. This was my neighbor. Sitting next to her made it even more fun. What's even better? When I mentioned on my own personal blog that I had gone to the DCI semifinals dozens of my readers came out of the band geek woodwork.

I can promise you that you too have an undercover band geek friend.

This is serious stuff people.

It's amazing to me what fantastic events Indianapolis events there are, especially around this time of year. Almost everyone has been here for a conference, or knows of some annual gathering here. If you have one coming up (Gen Con? FHA? DCI? Indy 500? State Fair? IBE? Circle City Classic?) you should really consider turning your reason for coming here into an excuse for an Indianapolis vacation.

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.

Every Wednesday through October (rain or shine) from 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m. the entire block in front of the City Market (just East of Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis) is taken up with several dozen local companies and farmers selling their wares including flowers, meat, cheese, vegetables and fruits. Not only are farmers markets one of the best ways to support our local economy it's a great way to introduce our kids to what's in season and where food actually comes from.

What makes the City Market on Wednesdays even better is that there are free concerts from local artists performed at lunchtime. Last summer one of our favorite free things to do in Indianapolis was to pack up a lunch on Friday and head down to the market to listen to whatever band happened to be playing. Our favorite last year were the South African Drummers.

There isn't even a need to pack a picnic, there are several places in the Market where you can purchase anything from Chinese food to a Kosher deli sandwich. I've always found that parking at the mall and walking over with a stroller is the easiest most hassle free way to spend the afternoon at the City Market with little kids.

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!

There's quite a bit happening in Indianapolis these days in blogging and social media. Blogging gets stronger each day with more new voices joining the online business conversation daily. An IndyTweetup seems to be happening at least once a week. And there are a number of other social media networks that have some great momentum and activity on a regular basis.

I believe the start of great things took place last year with the first ever blogINDIANA conference held on the IUPUI campus. I believe this was the first large scale event ever organized to bring area bloggers from all over Indiana and surrounding states for a conference on blogging.

The first year was a tremendous success and there was immediate discussion about how "next year's conference" could expand and improve on what was already achieved. Now "next year" is here and the conference will be held August 13-15th at the Informatics and Communications Technology Complex located on the IUPUI campus in downtown Indianapolis.

After speaking with the founders of the event, Noah Coffey and Shawn Plew, they shared a number of reasons why they chose to return to Indianapolis. It came down to Indianapolis being centrally located; making it easy for both attendees and speakers to come in from all over the state. With so many small and large businesses located right here, having the conference in their "backyard" was another win. Noah and Shawn also have a great relationship with IUPUI and the facilities available for hosting the conference are very well suited.

The founders have raised the game and will be taking care of business with this year's conference schedule and speakers. The sessions will take place over three days and will combine the blogging and social media conference with other targeted "summits" of discussion for Higher Education, Non-Profits and Social Media.

If you're a seasoned blogger, someone who is just jumping into the social media waters or a business wondering about how all this online stuff can help your business, you're sure to find some great information and resources in one of the sessions this year.

Many speakers are located right here in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas: Chris Brogan, Jason Falls, Brad Ward, Chris Baggott, Casey Mullins, Amy Stark, Chad Richards, Chris Hardie, David Grigsby, Douglas Karr, Dr. Thomas Ho, Elizabeth Friedland, Erik Deckers, James Paden, Jeff Lefevere, John Oak Dalton, Jonathan Thomas, Kirsten Eamon-Shine, Krista Neher, Marcia Taylor, Mike Seidle, Pat East, Raymond Angel, Renee Wilmeth, Rhoda Israelov, Rob Zinkan, Robby Slaughter, Scott Davis, Shawn Smith, Steve Dalton, Tim Piazza, Tom, Tom Britt and Will Carroll.

If you want to learn more about blogging and social media and want to come to a great conference at an affordable price, then you should visit the blogINDIANA website to get all the details. Hopefully we'll see you there!

I'd love to welcome you to the city of Indianapolis and show you how it's Postively Indy!

A lot of families travel with their dogs these days and if kids need to get out and run around after a day cooped up in the car, dogs deserve the same. There are parks located throughout Indianapolis where fido can run around leashless and fancy free.
If you decide to bring your dog on your Indianapolis vacation there's a few places you should know about to make your trip more fun for everyone no matter how furry they are.

Broad Ripple Bark Park, located near shopping (including a couple of pet boutiques) and lots of restaurants Broad Ripple Park has plenty of room for canines and humines. A great playground shares the grounds of Broad Ripple Park, great for little to big kids, this park even features special needs swings.

Northwest of downtown Indianapolis is the canine companion zone at Eagle Creek Park. Another great park for the entire family with a reservoir, parks and plenty of hiking trails. (There is a nominal per car admission fee to the park.)

Dogs are also allowed in Military Park, a short walk from most Indianapolis hotels. (Looking for pet friendly hotels? Check here.)

In case things go wrong (which I hope they don't) there is the Indianapolis Veterinary Emergency Center (IVEC) which is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week to care for any fallen comrades.