rncheryl

We just returned from a quick trip to Indiana. I had hoped to see some fall colors (coming from Florida where we are either green or brown). Maybe one weekend too early. The weather was cold, windy, and at times rainy. We drove in the country around Plainfield and Mooresville, and enjoyed it. Didn't have time to get to Brown County as recommended.

The visit was mostly visiting family, so it met all expectations. I wanted to mention two restaurants. I have heard of St. Elmos for many years, and we had a Friday night reunion there. Drinks, steak, sides were all excellent. Our server was Jason, and he did an outstanding job of taking care of us. Only complaint was the noise level; would have enjoyed a more private table, but not to be. Not sure I would return, as it has high end steak house prices, and there were other downtown choices that looked interesting. But glad to have done it.

We stayed in the Hyatt Regency at a great Priceline rate. Everything exceeded expectations. Centrally located, walkable to all the downtown sights. Valet parking was $34/night, but absolutely excellent service, and with a smile.

We have family in Greenfield, and they took us to a restaurant called Carnegies on Saturday night. What a lovely treat. It is in the basement of the old town library. Very quiet, dark-ish. There was a piano, but no player this evening. (It was the town's annual Riley festival, and that may have been a factor. Our party had chicken breast stuffed with proscuito, shrimp linguini, pork medallions and the evening special of swordfish served with polenta, roasted brussel sprounts/sundried tomatoes/kalamata olives. Just wonderful. We started with either roasted red pepper soup or the special of an Italian bean soup with spicy sausage and cornbread croutons. Highly recommend.

The most lasting impression of the trip for me was the friendliness of the people we met. All the hotel staff, parking attendants, restaurant servers, toll takers, bar staff seemed glad to see us, asked how our day was going, etc. You get the pictures. Back to the Ft. Lauderdale airport: Guy taking our payment for parking had not one word to say, not thanks, how was your trip, have a good day, do you need directions...

On the other hand, it was 84 degrees at home!

indyhiker

Sorry the weather was so lousy, but I'm glad everyone was so friendly!

flpab

Did you see anything? I am going in May and the tourist info is very slim. It is a dog show but thought I could see something. I looked at the Daytona speedway for years at work so don't care about the speedway. Our hotel is in a sort of industrial area but has space for big show and all the people that attend. The places you ate at sound great though.

rncheryl

Not sure what you want to see, but this is a full day of fun:

http://www.browncountyhistorycenter....r-village.html

Also there is a Childrens Museum in Indy that is great if you have kids.

Why are you going to Indiana?

indyhiker

If you share some of your interests, I could give some suggestions.

flpab

The national for the Boxer Club. I have a puppy showing. The brown county history center looks good. We are at a hotel close to the airport. A friend will have a car. I am flying. The puppy is coming with his co-owner in a rv so he is not flying. Indyhiker, I love history, unique shops, good food.

indyhiker

Take a look at the exhibits available at The Indiana State Museum, the Eiteljorg (Native American) and the Indiana Historical Society to see if there's anything of interest to you. All three are on the west side of downtown. For good food and fun shops, head to Mass Ave, a diagonal street on the east side of downtown (beginning at Delaware and New York Streets and running past College Avenue if you're looking at a map of downtown). The food scene there has really taken off there. There's a gallery walk the first Friday of every month, too. Fountain Square is another area with a vibrant dining and arts scene. It's on the southeast of downtown, primarily along Virginia Ave. Downtown is about 15 minutes from the airport along 1-70.

flpab

Thank you indyhiker. The Brown county history center won't be open except weekends if I read that correctly and I arrive on Sunday. We have shows that day so your giving me other things we could do.

indyhiker

Great! I just took a look at The Eiteljorg. An exhibit called Gold! Riches to Ruin will be running then. That could be interesting. Their exhibits are always well done. The permanent exhibit and shop are good as well. The area around the museum is quite nice, too. It's along a canal walk that includes the other museums I mentioned. On a nice day, it makes for a nice stroll. The zoo and NCAA museum are along the canal as well.

amwosu

My BFFs' own two restaurants on Mass Ave- Mess on Mass and Bru Burger Bar. Both offer tasty food in lovely settings as you stroll Mass Ave. They also have a "fourth meal" kind of place called Union 50 on nearby East street with live music after 10pm. http://www.crgdining.com
Ann Marie

flpab

Thank you Ann Marie. One of my friends is a foodie and chef so she will love that.