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.

*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.)

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.

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.

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.

There's about a week left (ends 09/07/2009) of the hundreds and hundreds of free flying butterflies inside the conservatory at White River Gardens. You know? That giant glass building next to the zoo that always gets neglected? (At least by the people I know?)

Most people have no idea that there is a very intricate (very peaceful) garden right in downtown Indianapolis, let alone that this is the 11th season of butterflies. They are always our first stop before we head over to the zoo. It's rarely ever crowded and the gift shop and nature center inside the building are awesome. There's even a plant that you can tickle. Tell me what kid isn't going to be interested in that?The zoo is obviously one of the main things to do in Indianapolis when you travel here with a family, and since admission to the Butterflies and White River Gardens is included in your zoo admission why not take the extra hundred steps over to one of my (and my kid's) favorite places in Indy?

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.

"All weapons associated with a costume - for volunteers, entertainers, artisans and guests - must be sheathed and peace tied. Security strictly enforces this rule."

I love this city.

When we do something with a theme? We do something with A THEME, in all capitals said with serious eyes.

In this case the above quote is from the 5th annual Fishers Renaissance Faire taking place the first weekend of October (Saturday the 3rd and Sunday the 4th) up at Conner Prairie. How many of you locals knew about this? Apparently over 14,000 visitors come to the faire in one weekend.

I've told you about things to do in Indianapolis that involve drums, Storm Troopers, Wiggles and fried candy bars.

Now I bring you jousting, knights in shining armor (remember who you came with ladies) over a hundred shows and all of the people participating in period costume and acting the part (which means swooning is completely acceptable.)

Traveling from out of town? Renaissance Faire Indianapolis packages can be found here.

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.

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.

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.

Broadway Across America has brought some great performances to Indianapolis like "Wicked" and "Mama Mia." Indianapolis has plenty of other theater groups  lining up some well-known and more obscure productions on their schedules.

• The Phoenix Theatre recently announced their 2009-2010 playbill which includes new, lower ticket prices. Performances will include "The Most Damaging Wound" and "The Housewives of Mannheim".
• Footlite Musicals will be hosting performances of "Aida," "My Fair Lady" and "Peter Pan" on their schedule for the rest of the year.
• Indianapolis Civic Theatre has announced productions of "Evita," "Wizard of Oz" and "Carousel."
• Indiana Repertory Theatre will be looking forward to "A Christmas Carol," "Love Letters" and "Around the World in 80 Days".
• Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre on the northside of Indianapolis has "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" waiting in the wings.
• The Theatre on the Square will be sure to serve up some performances further off the mainstream that will suit your tastes and expectations like the farce "America's Next Topbottom."

Be sure and visit each theater's website to see their full schedules. Most of the theaters all have a ticket package available. Some theaters even offer flexible package plans.

Whatever your preference, if you enjoy theater, there are many more options of things to do in Indianapolis. Add a great meal at one of the fabulous restaurants in Indianapolis and you can expect an encore performance with more Indianapolis events in store.

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.

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!