For someone who loves traveling and grew up in Chicago, I have spent shockingly little time in neighboring Indiana. Over the last few years, I’ve been meaning go check out Indianapolis while visiting home, but it’s never worked out. So when I was putting our moving road trip itinerary together, I knew I had to include one day in Indianapolis!
Indianapolis, Indiana
November, 2018
GETTING TO INDIANAPOLIS
We drove to Indianapolis from Lexington, a trip of about three hours.
INDIANAPOLIS ACCOMMODATIONS
I stayed at a Conrad hotel for the first time in the Maldives earlier this year, and it blew me away. So I jumped at the chance to stay at another property within this brand! While the Conrad Indianapolis is no Conrad Maldives, it was still a luxurious property with a lot of nice touches that reflect the artistic spirit of the city. I just wish we’d had time to take advantage of more of them; the Long-Sharp Gallery, for example, was already closed by the time we arrived, and we left the next morning before it opened. Luckily, there was some art on display in the lobby, so at least we got to see some of that!
INDIANAPOLIS FOOD
Our very first stop in Indianapolis was Milktooth, a breakfast and lunch spot that’s gotten some national attention. I had heard from a friend that it was a bit overrated, and I’d have to agree, but I still think it’s worth stopping in, even if just for coffee or a pastry, and deciding for yourself. The space has a lot of character, and there are a few other spots right in that area that I wish we’d had more time to check out.
One that we did get to frequent was Bluebeard, which was excellent. We snuck in for dinner (they don’t take reservations).
INDIANAPOLIS DRINKS
On our way out of town, we stopped at the Indianapolis City Market, which is apparently a great place to drink. Since it was morning, though, I just grabbed tea at Mile Square Coffee and got on the road. I will point out that Indianapolis also has a location of Quills Coffee, a spot I LOVED in Louisville, and had we known that at the time, we probably would have gone!
Beer Lovers should head to HopCat, another spot I know from an outpost in a different city (the original is in Grand Rapids, Michigan).
THINGS TO DO IN INDIANAPOLIS
NEXT TIME
Indianapolis is jam-packed with art and that will definitely be my focus the next time I go. Art Bank Gallery and the collection at The Alexander hotel are two other art hubs I’d love to see in addition to Long-Sharp and Newfields.
On the culinary front, Rook looks great for lovers of Asian fusion.
MILES MATH
For more on earning and using points and miles to travel for free, visit the 52 Cities free resource library or register to join me on my next live masterclass. And for more on my cross-country road trip, check out this post, which has links to posts from every stop!
Hope you enjoyed this guide to one day in Indianapolis! Have you been to Indianapolis? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments! >>
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Gina Indianapolis
Its been years since I was in Indianapolis and sounds like the food scene has really improved. I hope to visit again soon.
Carly
I was pretty impressed! Definitely recommend a return visit, Gina!