On a recent road trip from Florida to Michigan our trusty GPS initially said that we were on a straight shot up I-75 North. However, somewhere in Kentucky we were surprised instead of going through the state below Michigan, for those of you who are Michigan football fans, you know you don’t say the “O” state out loud in the presence of someone from Michigan – however I digress.
We ended up on I-69 without much of a time difference; entering Indianapolis, Indiana as the morning awoke. My husband was glad we totally skipped Ohio on our way to Grand Rapids. I don’t remember ever going through Indiana in my travels and I was intrigued to see the city of Indianapolis so I did some research and found some pretty interesting things to see, places to stay and eateries to explore.
Indianapolis Sports and History
Home to ten professional sports teams; there’s a sporting event to entertain year round. Here’s a list of the professional teams that call this city home:
Colts – AFC in the NFL at Lucas Oil Stadium
Pacers – NBA at Conseco Fieldhouse
Fever – WNBA at Conseco Fieldhouse
Indians – Minor league baseball at Victory Field
Indiana Ice – Pepsi Coliseum and Conseco Fieldhouse
Indiana Speed – Women’s football
F.C. Indiana (NPSL and WPSL) and Indianapolis Braves – Soccer
Impalas – Rugby
In addition to professional sports, Indianapolis is the headquarters for the NCAA and the National Federation of State High School Associations.
Top all of this off with great anticipation many football fans know the 2012 Super Bowl will be held February 5 at the Lucas Oil Stadium located in downtown, Indianapolis. Whether you have tickets to the game or not, there’s tons of things to enjoy during your stay, here’s just a few.
The National Art Museum of Sport
Inside the University Place at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is one of the U.S. largest collections of fine art. There’s no cost to experience this one of kind museum, however there is a fee for parking in the University’s parking garage.
Location: 850 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Call for weekend and holiday hours)
Phone: 317.274.3627
Most professional sport teams will have opportunities for their fans to get autographs and photos with some of their favorite athletes. During special playoff games there are always a host of unique events like the NFL Experience – for kids and adults
From Jan 27 to Feb 4, 2012 – The Indiana Convention Center will host autograph sessions, kids’ clinics (ages 6-12 on the field), a football factory, interactive games, displays, attractions and the largest football memorabilia show. Ticket sales will benefit the Super Bowl Legacy Grant for youth in the local community.
Location: Indiana Convention Center
Cost: $25 Adults, $20 kids under 12 and kids under 2 are free
Discounts for group ticket purchase
Unique Food Stops in Downtown Indianapolis
You’ll always find great food in downtown Indianapolis but where are the true hidden secrets? The best way to find a great deal and great food is ask the locals. If you’re staying at a hotel ask the staff where they eat and what price range you’ll looking at – explore outside of those average chain restaurants you can find in Anytown, USA. Here are a few unique choices in the Downtown/Massachusetts Avenue area.
Tata Cuban Café
Celebrities, athletes, locals and visitors frequent this local Cuban hotspot. They won the Best Cuban Restaurant in Indianapolis in 2011. With a selection of Cuban sandwiches as well as their traditional dishes like Yucca with Mojo sauce, Pollo Cienfuego, Arroz Con Leche and sweet plantains, you can see why so many call this their favorite Cuban eatery.
137 West Market St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
Open for Lunch: Mon-Fri 11-2:30 p.m., Sat. Noon to 2:30 pm.
Open for Dinner: Mon-Fri 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sat 2:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Closed Sundays
Phone: 317.686.0855 or Downtown Delivery: 317.449.2012
The Flying Cupcake
If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth but can’t figure out what to get at the candy store, try an Indy Original Cupcake – with flavors like Lime in the Coconut and Going Bananas Cream Pie, you can’t pass this unique bakery. They even have delectable delights for Vegans and Gluten free diets – with names like Vegan Mexican Hot Chocolate and Viva Las Vegan Vanilla and priced right from $2.75 for regular cupcakes, $3 for filled and $3.50 for Jumbo size – you’ll want to try more than one.
Location: 5617 North Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Ph: 317.396.2696
Hours: Call for the hours and location nearest you
Yats – Cajun Creole
Enjoy New Orleans style Southern comfort foods like Gumbo, beans and rice, chicken creole and jambalaya. The menu changes daily; check online or call. There are 3 locations with affordable prices under $6 for a full entrée.
Location: 659 Mass Ave., Indianapolis, IN
Ph: 317.686.6380
Hours: Mon to Thur 11-9 and Fri to Sat: 11 to 9
Where to Stay?
If you’re arriving during the highlight of a sporting event like the Superbowl it’s most likely that only the most expensive rooms are left nearest to the stadium; but don’t fret if you’re driving or purchased a ticket/room plan you may just be able to catch bus shuttles into downtown because parking will be a mess. Here are some of the sites that you can use to look for places to stay when visiting the city or the outskirts of downtown. An alternative is to rent a home from one of the locals; click this site; however this would be best for large groups to split the cost.
Priceline.com
Travelocity.com
Hotels.com
Touchdown Hotels
Hotel Guides