So who around here loves the AMC Emmy award winning show Mad Men?  Me, me, me, me!!!  Of course, you may have already gotten the idea that I love all things historical (even if there's a bit of fiction mixed in) AND if you watch you have to admire all of the wining, dining, and maligning that goes on in the world of 1950s/1960s advertising executives.  It's schmoozing to the Nth degree and it's terribly yummy, in my opinion.  And don't even get me started on the fab-u-lous vintage dresses the actresses get to wear.  Lovely.  And as usual, I digress.

If you're looking for something a bit less fiction, a little more fact this week, the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce has a great opportunity for you to feel wined and dined without dropping a ton of cash.  Head to Conseco Fieldhouse on Thursday, September 24th from 5-9 PM, check out the Chamber's biggest event of the year - Schmooza Palooza!  If you're a member or an employee of a company that is a member then cha-ching, you get in for free (this includes 1000s of people, so check and see!).  If you're not a member, you can register for the Ticket Give Away to be drawn TODAY (9/22) OR the good folks of the Chamber will be giving away tix on the Circle on Wednesday (9/23) OR you can pay a mere $10 at the door.

And what does your free ticket or ten bucks get you?  I'm so glad you asked!  Not only can you sample fine Indianapolis Fare, you can also learn all about up and coming Indianapolis businesses specializing in technology, ecological impact, and savvy green living.  Plus since I did promise "wining" there will be wine and beer tastings, live music, and "exclusive prize drawings" (I think that means they will be giving things away, not that they will be drawing prizes).

So if you're a part of the Indianapolis Jet Set, wish you were, want to know who is, or simply have a smashing vintage dress to wear, Schmooza Palooza is for you.  And we promise that your foot won't get run over by a lawnmower (Seriously, you must watch Mad Men.  I insist.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let's talk about Downtown Indianapolis for a moment.

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

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

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

Their downtown was dead.

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

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

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

You get the idea.

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

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

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.

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 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'.  

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...)

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.

Have a seat. We need to talk about something.

Everyday I drive past a corn field to get to wherever I'm going. And I pretty much live in the city.

With corn growing right across from my driveway why on earth would I ever want to buy produce at the grocery store that I can find at one of over a dozen Indiana Farmer's Markets or U-Pick orchards?

Let's face it, Indiana may be in the Midwest and far away from the glitz and glamor of big swanky cities but we have the chance to get apples for our Labor Day pies from the farmer who grew them. And corn? Hello!



So you're on your Indianapolis vacation. Sick of drive thrus eating out. You don't have a kitchen so cooking is kind of out of the question but you want something. You just don't know what it is. You've seen all the popular Indianapolis attractions, now head out and see the real reason we locals have Hoosier pride.




Head over to visitindy.com, type "farmer's market" into the search box and you'll find all that our fine city has to offer, from Downtown Indianapolis, to Zionsville. Regular local markets to all out festivals. Weekends, weekdays and holidays.

The weather has been beyond perfect, so this Labor Day why not spend time with your family eating all that Indiana Farms and Farmers have to offer you? I can promise you, it's A LOT.

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.)

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

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

Let's hear it!

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

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

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

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 love restaurant dining. Of course, I love eating. Period. But I particularly enjoy at least one of three things when I'm dining out.

1. Saving money
2. Eating with friends and family
3. Finding a local, independent restaurant to support

You can accomplish at least two of those options by stopping by the VisitIndy.com website and printing some of the coupons we have available. With the money you're going to save, you can invite some friends and family to join you!

We've got coupons for some of the best restaurants in downtown Indianapolis. At least half a dozen of them are located within short walking distance from the Indiana Convention Center!

Some of my favorites on the list are Claddagh Irish Pub, Shapiro's Deli, Scotty's Brewhouse, McCormick & Schmick's Seafood, Buca di Beppo and BARcelona Tapas Restaurant.

There are a few others I'm not as familiar with that I'm going to have to try out, such as India Garden Restaurant, Smokehouse on Shelby and The Taste of Tango.

You'll find free appetizers, desserts and other discounts  by using one of our coupons. So get out of the house, enjoy yourself and be Positively Indy!

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


Deep Fried Snickers Bar.


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

"Fresh" fried vegetables.

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

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

The State Fair is going on right now and there is plenty of great entertainment to fill your schedule throughout the next week. When the fair is over though, don't think there aren't other Indianapolis attractions to bring fun times and great food to your local calendar.

Here are just a few of the different festivals that are coming up over the next few weeks. Each event celebrates the local group's culture and Indianapolis history.

ARTSPARKLE: Mardi Gras (Saturday, August 22nd)

Indiana Native American History Festival (Saturday, August 29th)German American Klub's Oktoberfest 2009 (September 9th - September 12th)

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!

Looking for something more unique to do in Indianapolis after work? Come visit the Easley Winery in downtown Indianapolis!

Jack and Joan Easley started making wine in their basement in the late 60's and their passion soon grew to setting up the Indiana Wine Growers Guild and starting business as Easley Winery in 1974. The rest is all now part of Indianapolis history and still growing strong today.

On Tuesday and Saturday nights from now through September there's "Groovin' In The Garden". Feel free to take the kids with you  because they'll have their own sparkling grape juice, fruit and nuts along with coloring books and crayons just for them.

You can even order meals from some of your favorite Indianapolis restaurants and have them deliver right to your table in the Easley Winery garden. Knowing Bazbeaux Pizza and Santorini Greek Kitchen were options was music to my ears.

If you enjoy wine, live music and a great time with friends, then Easley Winery is the place to be. Free tours on Saturday and Sundays and free wine tastings every day of the week, you don't need much more reason to stop by and relax.

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!

One of the items I've always liked about Indianapolis is the ease of getting around and taking care of business in the city. Everything is nicely arranged with most streets intersecting at 90 degree angles and running like a gridline.

Sometimes though, you're looking for some fun and a break from the ordinary. You need to discover Massachusetts Avenue, or Mass Ave for short, for yourself. Mass Avenue always has an assortment of fun things to do in Indianapolis while you're here.

Mass Ave is lined with great little businesses that offer almost anything you could be looking for in a quick diversion from the normality of your day. Fabulous food and dining is available steps from wherever you may be. Artwork in small, independent galleries like the McFee Gallery and Studio and the Ruschman Art Gallery, which have works of art across a variety of media like paintings, sculpture and photography. Let's not forget the shopping either: toys, clothing, fudge, gifts, art and other collectibles you're not going to find any other place in Indianapolis.

Remember, you're getting away from the ordinary and venturing just northwest of downtown Indianapolis. You'll have a blast and you'll remember it the next time you need to get away. While you're there I'd recommend lunch at Yat's and then some delicious German fare at The Rathskeller.

Mass Ave has restaurants you won't find in any other city in the country, and they're all right here in downtown Indianapolis!