A 48-hour trip to Indianapolis
May 8, 2018 1:51 PM Subscribe
This weekend, my spouse and I will be visiting Indianapolis. A longtime friend of ours is at IU Health University awaiting a liver transplant, and we want to show our support for her and her family. There will be time for us to explore parts of the city when we're not at the hospital, so for the 48-ish hours we're there, what recommendations does the crowd have?
I read an older AskMe post from last year that covers some of what I'm looking for, but I'd like to follow it up:
1. Our Airbnb options include a couple places in Broad Ripple. Another option is in Old Northside (closest to the hospital), and the final option is south near UIndy. The last AskMe said that Broad Ripple, while attractive in many ways, is more Corporate Quirky than anything else. Is this still the case? Along those lines, what's good and/or bad about Old Northside and the UIndy neighborhood (University Heights)?
2. We will probably look for breweries and restaurants close by where we stay and/or the hospital. The friend's spouse is getting tired of eating hospital food during visits, so we're hoping to elevate their dining experience. Given the locations listed above, what restaurants/breweries would you recommend? There are no real dining restrictions for this visit, so both v*gan and non-v*gan options will be considered.
3. Apart from the three locations listed, what other neighborhoods are worth checking out? The IMA is on the list, as well as the Zoo, but where else would be interesting to see in the time provided? Locations for outdoor walks, be they on a path or on streets, would be particularly welcome suggestions.
I read an older AskMe post from last year that covers some of what I'm looking for, but I'd like to follow it up:
1. Our Airbnb options include a couple places in Broad Ripple. Another option is in Old Northside (closest to the hospital), and the final option is south near UIndy. The last AskMe said that Broad Ripple, while attractive in many ways, is more Corporate Quirky than anything else. Is this still the case? Along those lines, what's good and/or bad about Old Northside and the UIndy neighborhood (University Heights)?
2. We will probably look for breweries and restaurants close by where we stay and/or the hospital. The friend's spouse is getting tired of eating hospital food during visits, so we're hoping to elevate their dining experience. Given the locations listed above, what restaurants/breweries would you recommend? There are no real dining restrictions for this visit, so both v*gan and non-v*gan options will be considered.
3. Apart from the three locations listed, what other neighborhoods are worth checking out? The IMA is on the list, as well as the Zoo, but where else would be interesting to see in the time provided? Locations for outdoor walks, be they on a path or on streets, would be particularly welcome suggestions.
If you or your friends enjoy butterflies, the zoo also has a special (extra charge) exhibit with 30 species of butterflies hatching out in their indoor garden.
posted by tronec at 2:46 PM on May 8, 2018
posted by tronec at 2:46 PM on May 8, 2018
Best answer: For walking, since you’ll be on the old northside, there’s a city trail along the old canal that extends south from Broad Ripple, through the Butler campus, and ends up near the IMA.
I agree that BR is accurately called “corporate quirky.” On the other hand, it really is the major shopping/eating/drinking hub in the area. There are small pockets of more interesting eateries and drinkeries scattered throughout the neighborhoods south and southwest of BR, but they really are spots where there might only be a couple of places trying to make a go.
As far as a “happening” hip part of town, it would have to be Fountain Square, which is southeast of downtown, which is probably a little out of convenient range for you.
posted by Thorzdad at 6:09 PM on May 8, 2018 [1 favorite]
I agree that BR is accurately called “corporate quirky.” On the other hand, it really is the major shopping/eating/drinking hub in the area. There are small pockets of more interesting eateries and drinkeries scattered throughout the neighborhoods south and southwest of BR, but they really are spots where there might only be a couple of places trying to make a go.
As far as a “happening” hip part of town, it would have to be Fountain Square, which is southeast of downtown, which is probably a little out of convenient range for you.
posted by Thorzdad at 6:09 PM on May 8, 2018 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I'd stay in Old Northside. It's a mixed neighborhood that has really bounced back in the past 10 years. There is a 24 hour gay diner/bar called Downtown Olly's at 822 N. Illinois Street that is between the Old Northside and the hospital - food is cheap and they've got one of the best turkey burgers in town.
The Indianapolis Museum of Art/Newfields is far better than most people make it out to be. It is on West 38th Street and can easily be gotten to from the hospital by jumping on MLK.
As far as food - there's stuff in downtown and stuff all along Mass Ave. These are short trips (like 5-10) drives from the hospital or Old Northside. There are also live venues on Mass Ave.
Fountain Square has some decent food and venues. It's closer to UIndy but can also be gotten to from the Old Northside is 15 minutes or so. I like House of Siam (Thai) and Kuma's Corner (burgers - restaurant is heavy metal themed.)
Broad Ripple was awesome 25-30 years ago. It's mostly drunk frat bros on weekends now, though. I live close to Indy and go to Broad Ripple maybe twice a year.
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 7:21 PM on May 8, 2018 [2 favorites]
The Indianapolis Museum of Art/Newfields is far better than most people make it out to be. It is on West 38th Street and can easily be gotten to from the hospital by jumping on MLK.
As far as food - there's stuff in downtown and stuff all along Mass Ave. These are short trips (like 5-10) drives from the hospital or Old Northside. There are also live venues on Mass Ave.
Fountain Square has some decent food and venues. It's closer to UIndy but can also be gotten to from the Old Northside is 15 minutes or so. I like House of Siam (Thai) and Kuma's Corner (burgers - restaurant is heavy metal themed.)
Broad Ripple was awesome 25-30 years ago. It's mostly drunk frat bros on weekends now, though. I live close to Indy and go to Broad Ripple maybe twice a year.
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 7:21 PM on May 8, 2018 [2 favorites]
You can hit St Joseph Brwery - this is on College Avenue. It's in an old church. I don't drink beer but the atmosphere was nice and the food was good. This is on the backside of Mass Ave - so easily accessible.
I was not impressed with The Tap. The food wasn't that good and service was slow.
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 7:27 PM on May 8, 2018
I was not impressed with The Tap. The food wasn't that good and service was slow.
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 7:27 PM on May 8, 2018
If you still near the U or old northside, St Elmos steakhouse is nearby. It's a 100+ year old place nwith terrific food. There is a laid back speakeasy style lounge upstairs with a smaller subset menu. Also nearby is Ram brewery (beer is really good but eat st at elmos)
posted by chasles at 4:13 AM on May 9, 2018
posted by chasles at 4:13 AM on May 9, 2018
Best answer: "Corporate quirky" or not, Broad Ripple does have a lot of good places to eat and drink. Brugge Brasserie is a favorite of mine. (Belgian-style beers! Crepes! Moules frites!). I could provide many more recommendations for food in BR if you want, but that's my top one.
Near northside, there's not as much, but Shoefly Public House is good.
Indianapolis has had something of an explosion of microbreweries in the last ten years, to the point that I worry it's reached saturation (there's at least one I'm aware of that has already closed). If you want food too, check closely - some have pretty good full menus, some might just have a minimal menu of mediocre sandwiches and the like, some have none (the ones with no food generally allow you to bring in outside food or have food delivered there). I can confirm fluffy battle kitten's recommendation of St. Joseph's, both for the beer and the food.
If you're at a place that doesn't make their own beer but want to try a local beer, look for Sun King. It's sort of the 800-pound gorilla among Indianapolis "micro"breweries, but it has that status for a reason.
Yat's (multiple locations) is the best meal in the city under $10. Some of their locations serve beer & wine, some do not.
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 4:40 AM on May 9, 2018 [1 favorite]
Near northside, there's not as much, but Shoefly Public House is good.
Indianapolis has had something of an explosion of microbreweries in the last ten years, to the point that I worry it's reached saturation (there's at least one I'm aware of that has already closed). If you want food too, check closely - some have pretty good full menus, some might just have a minimal menu of mediocre sandwiches and the like, some have none (the ones with no food generally allow you to bring in outside food or have food delivered there). I can confirm fluffy battle kitten's recommendation of St. Joseph's, both for the beer and the food.
If you're at a place that doesn't make their own beer but want to try a local beer, look for Sun King. It's sort of the 800-pound gorilla among Indianapolis "micro"breweries, but it has that status for a reason.
Yat's (multiple locations) is the best meal in the city under $10. Some of their locations serve beer & wine, some do not.
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 4:40 AM on May 9, 2018 [1 favorite]
Make sure to visit Indy Reads Books and the local art shops up and down Mass Ave.
posted by Sheydem-tants at 5:22 AM on May 9, 2018
posted by Sheydem-tants at 5:22 AM on May 9, 2018
If, by any chance, you're a motor racing fan, Saturday is full of action out at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, leading up to the Indycar Grand Prix (run on the road course at IMS) later in the day. It might be a pricier day than you are planning for, but it's definitely a must if you're a motor racing fan (General Admission tickets can be had at the gate for $35 ea.)
posted by Thorzdad at 5:37 AM on May 9, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Thorzdad at 5:37 AM on May 9, 2018 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thank you all for the advice! We ended up booking the Airbnb listing near UIndy for a couple reasons:
1. After further review, the two Broad Ripple locations were deemed to be too far away from the hospital and most of the attractions we'd like to see. The IMA is relatively close to this neighborhood, so we could always visit for a lunch or dinner after checking out that museum. Additionally, we will be driving in from St. Louis on Friday evening, so our arrival time in Indianapolis would be around 11 PM. Both the UIndy location and the Old Northside location are much closer to our arrival point on I-70 than Broad Ripple.
2. The Old Northside place never responded to an inquiry I sent them last night about parking. Today, I found that their listing was not available for this weekend, making my options that much easier to choose. Oh well. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
posted by stannate at 8:24 AM on May 9, 2018
1. After further review, the two Broad Ripple locations were deemed to be too far away from the hospital and most of the attractions we'd like to see. The IMA is relatively close to this neighborhood, so we could always visit for a lunch or dinner after checking out that museum. Additionally, we will be driving in from St. Louis on Friday evening, so our arrival time in Indianapolis would be around 11 PM. Both the UIndy location and the Old Northside location are much closer to our arrival point on I-70 than Broad Ripple.
2. The Old Northside place never responded to an inquiry I sent them last night about parking. Today, I found that their listing was not available for this weekend, making my options that much easier to choose. Oh well. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
posted by stannate at 8:24 AM on May 9, 2018
I just went to Indianapolis for the first time and spent a very enjoyable 48 hours there!
Do you like Kurt Vonnegut? He's from Indianapolis. If you don't care about Kurt Vonnegut, feel free to ignore this, but the Kurt Vonnegut Museum is a wonderful small museum about Indy's favorite literary son. Two rooms, you can do it in a half hour. Very worth it if you're a fan.
Do you like state capitols? Indianapolis is one. You can have a really good breakfast at Cafe Patachou across the street, then check out the Capitol. It's filled with statues and memorials and plaques about how proud Indiana is of victory in the Civil War, preservation of the United States, and the part Indianans played. Moving.
posted by escabeche at 7:24 PM on May 9, 2018
Do you like Kurt Vonnegut? He's from Indianapolis. If you don't care about Kurt Vonnegut, feel free to ignore this, but the Kurt Vonnegut Museum is a wonderful small museum about Indy's favorite literary son. Two rooms, you can do it in a half hour. Very worth it if you're a fan.
Do you like state capitols? Indianapolis is one. You can have a really good breakfast at Cafe Patachou across the street, then check out the Capitol. It's filled with statues and memorials and plaques about how proud Indiana is of victory in the Civil War, preservation of the United States, and the part Indianans played. Moving.
posted by escabeche at 7:24 PM on May 9, 2018
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The zoo near downtown is also remarkable and is near one end of the canal walk. I loved the dolphin show.
After 10 AM Thursday, this page will give you some specific events for this coming weekend.
Thanks for taking your time to support those with medical issues!
posted by tronec at 2:28 PM on May 8, 2018 [1 favorite]