"Flirt!?" you say?
Well as much as I'd like to admit that I personally know Harry and Izzy's "flirtability," in this case I am certainly not talking about their social charm.
Instead, I speak of their de-li-cious martinis! "The Flirt" is one of my favorite "girly drinks" of all time, and let me tell you... Harry and Izzy's makes one of the best in town. Yummmmm...
One of the greatest things to do in Indianapolis (atleast for muah) is to go out and try one of our famous Indianapolis restaurants that are only home to Indy. (Harry and Izzy's being one, of course.)
What better way to really experience what this great city has to offer?!
SO...a couple of girlfriends and I went out for my birthday dinner and decided Harry and Izzy's would be a super fun place to go with a group full of ladies that look like they just stepped out of Sex and the City. (Sorry Carrie Bradshaw, we pretty much showed you up.)
Good choice?
GREAT! CHOICE!
We chose a cozy little circle table in the back (because we knew we'd probably be loud while gossipping about boys... each other.) Then we proceeded to grub on some delicious food --try the pizzas, ahh-mazing!-- and then passed around each others beverages to make sure we ordered the best ones. (Girls do that.) And all great choices I must say.
AND DID I MENTION THE DESSERT?!?
Holy Brownie! There are no words. That pimped out chocolate brownie was like heaven trickling down into my belly. <insert sigh of sheer happiness here>
SO... if you are looking for a great spot in downtown Indianapolis to have one of the greatest dining experiences, be sure to stop into Harry & Izzy's. Grab your girlfiends, friends or (for you flirt masters) your significant other and spoil yourself!
And always remember to order "The Flirt."
...and the pizza
...oh and the chocolate brownie. ((YUM!))
Hello all! How is everyone doing on this fine Friday afternoon? (I know. It's raining. It's windy. And the weather just stinks.) But the weekend is soon to come and that is always a classic pick-me-up! Also, rainy weather such as today's is perfect for curling up on the couch and reading a nice little paperback.
Need a suggestion?
How about The 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live. (Ok, so maybe it's not a cozy love story or a suspensful mystery novel.) BUT, it IS a great resource if you crave "the sports experience of a lifetime." Author Robert Tuchman compiled a list of not only the top sporting events, but also hotel accomodiations, travel packages, directions and on-site hospitality and events. He gives you the full spectrum when it comes to planning your trip to the destination of your choice.
Where did Indianapolis rank?
Well, it's no surprise that in Tuchman's list of "Top Ten Cities for Hosting a Major Sporting Event," Indianapolis was ranked #2. (Knocking out competitive cities such as Dallas, Atlanta, San Diego and San Antonio.) 
"A classic sports town with great sports fans. From high school to professional athletics, the residents live and breathe sports." - Tuchman
What a perfect description of this sports savvy city of ours! :)
In addtion to the #2 spot, the following three events were listed in the top 100 must-see sporting events:
#31 Indy 500
#63 Indiana High School Basketball Tournament Finals
#75 Little 500
So what do you think about those rankings? Where would these events rank on your list?
Pick up the book and see what other sporting events are included! Also, visit the book's website.
Until next time readers, have a great weekend and a Happy Easter!
Ok, so here's a little known fact about myself. I am OBSESSED with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. (Not to mention I cry like a baby everytime I watch it. It serves as a nice little feel good show to end my weekend. Oh, and I think Ty Pennington is rather studly, but that's besides the point.) Moving forward...
Extreme Makeover had announced weeks ago that they were going to grant the wishes of Indianapolis family, the McFarlands, and renovate their east side home. Bernard McFarland is a computer specialist at Indianapolis Public Schools' Marshall High School and lives with his three teenage sons in a two bedroom home. The McFarlands were nominated by friends and neighbors due to Bernard's overwhelming hope and contribution toward the local community. The McFarlands reside in the historic Martindale-Brightwood area, just east of downtown Indianapolis.
Herds of volunteers rushed to help and 180 Indianapolis companies offered up their services. And guess what! They're going to "Move that Bus!" tomorrow afternoon at around 2 p.m. So, if you want to see the new improvements, be
sure to get there early!The demolition started last Sunday in the 2300 block of North Oxford Street and builders are rushing to get the project finished before Bernard and his three sons return from Paris.
Here is an article and video about the McFarland family and their home transformation:
IPS employee's home picked for 'Extreme Makeover' (plus check out the schedule of events)
McFarland's acceptance and gratitude This video shows exactly what supporting your local community is all about. Bernard McFarland supports the Indianapolis area facilities and offers up his time and money to share his appreciation. (Uh oh, here comes the tears.)
All in all, the McFarlands have a great story to share and are the essence of true community involvement. Be sure to check out the episode that will air Sunday, April 17th. And if this is your first time, be sure to grab the Kleenex!
Until next time, I urge you to do something special for your local community. Be inspired and be grateful :)
Forbes Traveler recently released their "America's 25 Most Visited Museums" list and guess who was #23?!? None other than world-renowned The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, of course! Pretty cool, huh? Considering it's the largest children's museum in the world, how can it not make the list, right? Check out who else made the Forbes Traveler list.
And don't forget to check out all of the cool, new things The Children's Museum of Indianapolis has scheduled for this year, including the June opening of the blockbuster "Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs" exhibition opening in June!
Well, with March comes the city's basketball fever. And to add to the excitement, the NCAA Hall of Champions is reopening March 12 after a fire forced extensive renovations and very impressive changes. I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview this morning and I must say, it is SO cool! There are so many interactive games and activities that are not only educational, but super fun! Whether it was throwing a few hoops in their "gym" or tossing a football at the interactive video screen, the activities provide a lot of entertainment for people of all ages.
I highly suggest you check it out. Bring your friends, family or coworkers! You can check out the latest champions of the 23 sports they highlight or see if your Alma mater is featured in one of their many exhibits! March 12. Mark your calendar because this is something you won't want to miss!
Until next time, keep pulling for the warmer weather and enjoy your weekend!!
If you read the Parenting: Early Years Magazine like my colleague Chris Gahl (new father to a second bundle of joy) does, you would have probably noticed a little spotlight on the city of Indianapolis in their March issue.Parenting Magazine included Indianapolis as a highlight under their "Need Ideas?" blurb in the travel section. With mention of our world famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the article was quick to note that we are one of five "lower-profile cities worth your time." Click here to take a look!
While perusing the Indianapolis news Web sites, I stumbled upon an article written last week in the Indianapolis Star that covered local museums and attractions. (Coincidentally, our very own Bill Benner was quoted as well.)
The main highlight of the story was Conner Prairie and their six percent increase in visitors in 2008. Despite the struggling economy, attractions like Conner Prairie have high hopes for growing attendance rates in 2009. Check out the article:
Conner Prairie Sees Rise in Visitors in 2008
One of the major Conner Prairie events that will certainly draw in more visitors is the 1859 Balloon Voyage, a permanent exhibit that will open in early June. It's a recreation of the August 1859 event where 20,000 people gathered in Lafayette, Indiana, to witness the launch of a manned balloon that would, for the first time, demonstrate the viability of cross country air transportation. (I know... crazy , right!?!) It is definitely a must-see exhibit.
Do you know of any big ticket events that will attract more attendees this year? How about any smaller events that you think are underrated? Let me know and I'll spread the word!
Well, according to the latest research, you won't have to go far to find affordable hotel accommodations and outstanding customer service!
An article from the Wall Street Journal was released yesterday with the latest research furnished by www.hotel.info. And, guess what city hit up the number one spot in the nation on the Value for Money Index?!? [Don't think too hard.] Indianapolis, of course!
Yes... Indianapolis! Not Chicago, not Denver, not even sunny San Diego. Indianapolis was ranked at an 8.54 out of a possible 10 points for customer service in relation to the price point of the reservation. To all our local hotel employees - go ahead and take a moment to pat yourselves on the back! Thanks to our stellar hospitality, Indianapolis is #1.
Want to check out the research for yourself? Here's a link to the article.
Hotel.info Value Money Index 2008 Reveals Surprises
In yesterday's Indianapolis Star, Don Welsh, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association, highlighted five of his local food favorites in a news blurb titled "Five Things I Love."
Curious to see if you share the same? Check out the article!
Five Things I Love
Notice anything you share in common? I sure did! Thanks to my colleague Chris Gahl, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a breakfast meeting at the stellar Cafe Patachou last week. He assured me the whole walk there that I was in for a treat. Eventually, I realized his obsession was well justified. (Chris, you are a bit obsessed.)
If you haven't been able to go, do it immediately. Whether it's a business meeting, a brunch with some friends or a solo luncheon out, Cafe Patachou is a fabulous local hot spot that all must try.
How about the others? Easley Winery? St. Elmo's World Famous shrimp cocktail?
What are your "fave five" for local foods? Please share!
The town is talking!
And what about you may wonder?
Yesterday, the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association hosted their Annual Meeting to cover 2008 goals and successes, along with future plans for re-branding the city. And, I must tell you, it was the most thrilling meeting I've ever attended! The meeting was filled with a sense of passion and determination to showcase a new, more confident Indianapolis. The execution was brilliant. The dialogue was moving. The vision was inspiring. And for goodness sake, it made me that much more excited to be a Hoosier!
However, in order to share that confidence with the outside world, the ICVA, along with Young & Laramore (the ICVA's agency of record) are kick-starting a new brand strategy that highlights Indianapolis' competitive spirit. Whether it be through our sporting events, music competitions or our constant need to become the best destination we can, Indianpolis has a fire that's heating up the competition.
If you weren't there for the show, here are a couple of articles that highlight what the vision is and how Indianapolis will no longer take a back seat to our competition. We're raising the game, folks... and its going to be one exciting ride!
Check out media coverage of the event:
From the Indianapolis Business Journal
From Inside Indiana Business
From MSNBC.com
And, take a look at this video of local news coverage from WTHR.
Hello hello! Intern Breena here! As I embark on this new journey with the "News in Indy" blog, I’d like to take a moment to thank Karissa for passing along this lovely honor of blog ownership. [I know this was her baby.] The legendary Karissa will be missed and hopefully she reads future posts with genuine approval. [No pressure, right?] This is my first blog experience, but I'll do my best because I obviously have some big shoes to fill. [Only figuratively of course, Karissa has very small feet. I asked… size 7.] Her witty charm and contagious appreciation for the city is something that will be cherished, and hopefully I can continue that spirit in posts to come.
And what better way to start off the new transition than to share a few of my favorite things? [You’re singing the Sound of Music song right now, aren’t you?]
Well, here they are:
1. I love live music.
2. I love to go out with my friends and experience the best that the Indianapolis attractions have to offer.
3. I have realized over time that a great glass of wine and some good conversation can make for the best occasions.
Share the same interests? Wonderful! Luckily for you, there is a fabulous event hosted by the Chateau Thomas Winery that includes all of the above! They are kicking off their weekend-long celebration for their 25th Anniversary on Friday, January 23. You can "wine" down [you appreciate the pun, I know] from your long work week with Steve Elston. The party doesn’t stop there! Come back Saturday and see the Dane Clark Band and continue to enjoy the delicious wine tastings, special wine discounts [woohoo!] AND get your hands on a Limited Edition Anniversary Wine released for this special occasion.
Best of all… FREE admission for the Friday Wine Down with Steve Elston and the Dane Clark concert on Saturday! [Perhaps that should be #4 on my list -- I love free events!]
So if any of you are in dire need of a warm up from this painful weather [brrrr]… gather some good friends, grab a glass of wine and enjoy the live music at the Chateau Thomas Winery 25th Anniversary Celebration this weekend!
Side note: For you wine enthusiasts out there, Dr. Thomas [master of fine wine making in Indiana] will be available both nights to autograph your bottles.
Until next time… stay warm Hoosiers!
*Click here to view more Chateau Thomas Winery events throughout the year.
I love making things. Artsy things. And I like to think I'm better than I really am. So when my friend Mary Lee invited me to a group activity in the Indianapolis Art Center glass studio - I ran home to change into 100% cotton clothes, head to toe. She'd warned me that synthetic materials would melt. Yes. Melt. On your body. The molten glass furnace reaches temperature upwards of 2000 degrees. Yea, that's a tad warm I'd say.
The talented artist instructors first explained and demonstrated to our group the process of making a glass heart paperweight - gather glass from the furnace. Keep it rotating. Form it. Gather more glass. Form it. Color it. Gather more glass. Oh keep it rotating! Shape it. They showed us. Twice. Then it was my turn. The molten glass was so bright from the heat that I could barely see it. And then I nearly dropped my gathering pole. And then I forgot to keep it rotating. Like I said - I like to think I'm better than I really am!
But this has to be one of the most fun things to do in Indianapolis!
And thankfully my artist instructor never left me completely on my own - you know, molten glass - I might have hurt somebody!
An hour later - we'd had some laughs and learned about the art of glass making. I for one have a new appreciation for the tremendous works of art found on the walls and the gift shop at the Indianapolis Art Center.
And the best news - anyone can do this. Group activities happen year round. What a perfect girls' day out, a unique birthday celebration or corporate team-building retreat. The glass heart paperweight activity is happening Jan. 12 - Feb. 12, 2009. Be sure to call 2 weeks in advance to make reservations for your group of 10-12 friends or coworkers. It's just $29 per person! What a unique Valentine's gift - hand-made [and heart-felt!]
And now - the final piece of art. What do you think - should ours be right there along with the other masterpieces?
It's gone. The RCA Dome, or Hoosier Dome to many, was imploded this morning. Like a sand castle having a bucket of water poured over it.
As I watched the RCA Dome implosion on TV this morning I felt a twinge of sadness for what was. The Dome is where I went to work every day for nearly 3 years. Our offices were located just inside Gate 1. We moved out earlier this year to make way for the expansion of the Indianapolis Convention Center that can now begin.
As I watched the Dome cave in to itself this morning, I remembered during the last weeks we were in the building - and seeing signs taped to the tunnel walls that simply read "Demo Line."
And playing catch on the field with my coworkers during our office Christmas party a couple years ago.
There was the excitement, the crowds and the noise of a Colts game on Sunday followed by the quiet of a Monday morning.
I was on the field during the rally when the Colts returned home from Super Bowl XLI. I was thiS.Close.
It was incredible.
I was across the street too when ground was broken for Lucas Oil Stadium. Now open, it's a new home for the Indianapolis Colts, and a bigger, better space for basketball games, music competitions and large conventions.
It is incredible.
And now the pillow top in the Indianapolis skyline is left memories, photographs and lasting impression on the Indianapolis business community.
But I'm excited for tomorrow in Indianapolis.
It's going to be incredible.
**The voice you hear along with the news anchors in this video is my colleague and Indy Blogger - Bill Benner. Bill was in studio this morning with our local CBS affiliate.
Santa will be here in 6 days! And if you're feeling the holiday pinch on your wallet you're in luck -- because there are 6 more days of free things to do in Indianapolis! Now there isn't much I can do to help you on Days 1-5 of the 12 Free Days of Indy Christmas, but tonight you can visit one of my favorite Indianapolis attractions - the Indianapolis Museum of Art for the Sixth Free Day of Indy Christmas. And every day leading up to Christmas you'll find a free holiday activity in Indianapolis.
Just this week my colleague Kim Harms was a guest on Next Trip Radio chatting about the 12 Days and more holiday events in Indianapolis. Listen in below!
Part 1 - Holiday events in Indianapolis on NextTripRadio.com
Hi there blog readers. Karissa here, back to share more Indianapolis news. Along the way I hope you'll find out something pretty cool about my hometown -- and perhaps plan your own Indianapolis vacation. This week I want to share some Indianapolis travel ideas hitting the airwaves. Hoosier History Live airs each Saturday morning on WICR 88.7 FM. As the title implies, much of the radio show focuses on Indiana and Indianapolis history. But it's not all in the past! At precisely 11:42 a.m., my colleague Chris Gahl chimes in as the "Road Tripper," sharing the scoop on Indianapolis events and happenings. So if you're around Indianapolis, tune in to 88.7 FM each Saturday for some things to do in Indianapolis. For those of you a little too far to recieve that signal, you can listen live online. Until the next show, click here and scroll down to hear one from the archives on the storied Circle Theatre in downtown Indianapolis.
Ahh, the holidays are the best of times -- the twinkle lights on my Christmas tree and around downtown Indianapolis, dusting off my holiday music and updating my playlists with the season's sounds, and the sweets. Yes, let's not forget the sweets. [The holidays are also the worst of times for maintaining any sort of healthy eating.] They are everywhere. On my desk, around the office, at home and at holiday parties. I think it's safe to say ours is the sweeter of several sweet cities, many Indianapolis businesses involve the art of candy and chocolate making, and we have 3rd party endorsement!
. And be warned - it'd be best to have a chocolate bar within arm's reach while you read! Find out more about Chocolate: The Exhibition on our web site.
Part 1 of the 4-part Indianapolis travel series is online now, right here. Read up!
Welcome back from the holiday weekend! I for one still feel I'm in a turkey [or pumpkin pie]-induced coma. But no matter -- the Indianapolis news keeps on coming in! The cover story in Indianapolis Monthly's December issue touts the Best of Indy- from shoe shines and sushi to cookies and couture. I counted 98 "bests", but I may have lost my focus while reading the Hot Cookie category. Melty. Deep dish. Must eat with a spoon. Chocolate chip. Cookies.Oh my. And I digress. Because you see, our weekly Doing Indy video podcast received a shout out - as the best Video Blog. Thanks for the recognition Indy Monthly! You can check out a recent episode here.
And I thought I'd share a few more best finds at our Indianapolis attractions, restaurants and hotels. For the full list check out the story, it's a fun read.
Best Hotel Pool honors go to the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre for their 9th floor hotel pool overlooking downtown Indianapolis' Monument Circle.
Sparks fly on Indy's best First Date at Fastimes Indoor Karting where you can show off like you're in the Indianapolis 500 race. I've done this [with coworkers - very platonic]. Very cool.
Indy's best Grown-up Play Date happens on a segway tour past downtown Indianapolis' attractions in White River State Park.
The best specialty Soap [and other boutique finds] in Indy are at Honeysuckle Home on Broad Ripple Avenue.
And while the outdoor temperatures may be a tad cool in December, come spring you'll find Indy's best Picnic Spot on the Indianapolis Museum of Art grounds.
My list of things to do in Indianapolis just grew exponentially.
This week's Look Who's Talking isn't a publication you'll find while standing in line at
the grocery store. Meetings MidAmerica
Indianapolis. Life in the Fast Lane
By: Beth Bartlett
So if this isn't on news stands, who reads it? Publications like this one are a big deal to those in the Indianapolis convention and meetings industry.These publications land directly in the hands of the folks deciding where to hold their next annual meeting, conference or trade show. And that is an audience we need to know about the $3 billion in new developments happening in Indianapolis. Lucas Oil Stadium&the Indianapolis convention center, the new Indianapolis International Airport Indianapolis hotels - like the new JW Marriott Indianapolis, cultural developments - like the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Just to name a few.
And it's all taking place to ensure Indianapolis remains competitive, and in front of, our peer cities across the nation. We're confident that when convention planners and attendees come to Indianapolis, they'll not only have a successful meeting, but they'll have a good time when they aren't sitting in meetings too.
Tourism is a big deal in Indianapolis Our research from Global Insight, in partnership with D.K. Shiffllet & Associates tells us that 21.9 million visitors annually provide $3.56 billion in total annual economic impact on the Indianapolis economy. $3.56 billion. Every Year. And it creates 66,621 full-time equivalent employment positions in the local hospitality industry. That's big Indianapolis business.
Take a peak for yourself, you can book your Indianapolis hotel stay by clicking the button on the right of your screen - Indianapolis Hot Hotel Deals. And if you're a meeting planner, we want your business. Click the button at the top right of this screen and send submit an RFP right now. Let us show you Indianapolis.
| Next |
