Any Indy recommendations?

[TinaMcTeer]

Dh just bought tickets for a race in Indy in August. I already booked hotel. Just wondering if there were any good restaurants in the area that we could take in? Any other things that we must see or do? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[jana616]

We live in a south suburb of Indy, so I thought I'd offer my two cents. I'm assuming the race is the Brickyard, is that right? That is a major event weekend here, so there should be some things to do, like concerts, etc. related to it. Are you coming with kids? If you are, I HIGHLY recommend the Children's Musuem. It's the biggest in the country and can easily fill a whole day. We have a good (but not fantastic) zoo, as well as some other museums (Art Museum, the NCAA Hall of Fame, etc).

There are quite a few good restaurants downtown. I'd recommend St. Elmo's for steak, the Oceanaire for seafood, and the Eagle's Nest for overall ambience. It's on the top floor of the Hyatt and revolves to give you a view of the whole city...very romantic and the food was great. These are all pretty pricey, but worth it. Hopefully others will have some suggestions for less expensive places as well, we just tend to go downtown for our date nights

Have fun, and let me know if I can help any more!

 

[Chelley00]

What side of town are you staying in? That will make a difference as to where people tell you to eat or do

 

[TinaMcTeer]

Yep we will be at the Brickyard. We are staying in Carmel. Got a really good deal on a suite. We don't mind driving to grab something to eat. We might have DD9 & DS7 with us, still haven't decided. We were there two years ago but stuck to the race and the hotel. Felt like I missed exploring a big city. So this time I want to make sure we get to enjoy the city too. We'll be there Aug 15-20.

 

[hrslvr142]

Like one of the PP I also live in the south suburbs but work downtown. There are plenty of very nice restaurants both north (where you will be staying) as well as downtown. We have a decent zoo (downtown) as well as several museums...including an awesome Children's Museum if your kids come. I am pretty sure our State Fair will be going on then which is about 20 minutes northeast of the city...a lot of the concerts will be downtown this year though due to the tragedy there last year-fun though if you like the fair type atmosphere. Connor Prairie could easily have Symphony on the Prairie (great night time entertainment if you like outside musical entertainment...check the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in a few weeks for the line up). I am an Indy transplant of over 20+ years now and we rarely have a hard time finding something to do on a weekend we want to do something. Our downtown is an easy walk around town as people found for the Super Bowl...we also have a Minor Baseball League team right downtown as well. Welcome and if you have questions, feel free to email me.

 

[mrsklamc]

There were lots of "what to do in Indy" guides published around the Super Bowl. This was my favorite of the ones I read:

thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/01/if-you-visit.html

 

[Donaldswife]

Definitely go downtown, see the "Circle" with the Soldiers and Sailors monument, take a walk on the canal (you can rent surrey bikes or paddle boats there), take in the zoo and gardens, go the Eiteljorg Museum or State Museum, there is an Imax theater in the state museum.....definitely eat dinner at St. Elmo's or Harry and Izzy's (they are owned by thte same people) both have their "famous" shrimp cocktail (it is SUPER hot!) and great steaks! They are pricey, but worth it!

If you have any questions please feel free to PM me, I am a Hoosier native, and worked for the hospitaility industry for 10 years in Indianapolis!

 

[PiperPizzaz]

Definitely go downtown, see the "Circle" with the Soldiers and Sailors monument, take a walk on the canal (you can rent surrey bikes or paddle boats there), take in the zoo and gardens, go the Eiteljorg Museum or State Museum, there is an Imax theater in the state museum.....definitely eat dinner at St. Elmo's or Harry and Izzy's (they are owned by thte same people) both have their "famous" shrimp cocktail (it is SUPER hot!) and great steaks! They are pricey, but worth it!

If you have any questions please feel free to PM me, I am a Hoosier native, and worked for the hospitaility industry for 10 years in Indianapolis!

Woo that cocktail sauce will clear out your sinuses for a few weeks!

We live on the southside too. There are tons of great shopping and dining up near where you will be staying. Have a great time!

 

[rachelmarisa]

If you're in the mood for an award winning restaurant, go to Kelties in Westfield. (Right next to Carmel) It is modern American food in a gourmet atmosphere.
It's at 110 S Union St and is just excellent. You won't be disappointed, especially if you go in for the Sunday brunch buffet!! Delish!

Walking around the Arts and Design District of downtown Carmel would be fun. There are many cute shops and art stores. If you want quick service but high quality, go to Bub's Burgers on the Monon Trail in downtown Carmel. There's another thing to do! If you're a sporty, outdoorsy family, a walk/run/bike/skate/etc. on the Monon Trail in August will be lovely!
Have an awesome time and message me for more recs!

 

[mrsklamc]

There is a Carmel location of Shapiro's, which is an icon in Indy. I haven't eaten there personally....but it's an icon.

Orange Leaf, if you like frozen yogurt, also in Carmel. Paradise Bakery is good..both are chains w/o locations in MI.

Holy Cow Cupcakes...get the bon bons...they are just amazing.

 

[David 1980]

I would go to Famous Dave's if you like Ribs and all that good stuff? They have a web site and I think two Indy locations.

 

[msgoofy]

I would pass on the Shapiro's in Carmel. Not so good anymore!

There's also the Fashion Mall on 86th Street that has some upscale shops and some really good restaurants. There's also Castleton Mall in the area you will be staying and Clay Terrace which is a newer outdoor mall. They all have really good restaurants.

There also the Indianapolis Zoo downtown and I also agree with visiting the Childrens Museum.

BTW, we live about 12 blocks from the race track.

Enjoy!

 

[mrsklamc]

I would pass on the Shapiro's in Carmel. Not so good anymore!

Is the one downtown still good?

 

[mom2maggie]

http://www.bubsburgersandicecream.com/burgers/menu/

 

[hrslvr142]

Another "thumbs up" for Kelties in Westfield.

 

[mrsklamc]

Oh and Kincaids in Clay Terrace Mall. Loved that place.

 

[drgreene1096]

I live an hour North of Indy, but love to do downtown...a few of my favorites...Barcelona Tapas is a fantastic Spanish restaurant. Abuelo's is a good Mexican restaurant and should be close to where you are staying...ice cream..oberveiss (sp) Dairy...real ice cream and you can buy milk in glass bottles!

I think our zoo is great, but I have never been to a large zoo, so I am sheltered. Children's museum is great if you have kids. Definitely an Indians game and a carriage ride around the circle. There is a Dave and Buster's in castleton.

If you come without kids, there is a great drag show at Talbot Street! I am highly amused by this show every time I go!

And life in Indy would not be complete without Long's donuts!! They are the best!!

 

[mrsklamc]

And life in Indy would not be complete without Long's donuts!! They are the best!!

She speaks the truth.

Oberweiss is the ice cream/milk place. Though you could also shoot over to Trader's Point Creamery in Zionsville.

The art museum is good too- and free.

 

[msgoofy]

I haven't been to the Shapiro's downtown in a long time, so not sure about it.

I have to second Bub's in Carmel. Just ate there today and it was wonderful.

 

[Mammaz]

If you bring the children then you MUST go to the children's museum. We are members and go at least monthly! It is the best!

Are you sure about your dates? The brickyard 400 is in July.