jam35

Hello all, We have reservations for the first weekend in October at the Courtyard in NW Indianapolis. Couldn't get anything downtown--there's something big going on. Anyway, we have reservations for a dinner theater Friday night but are looking for meals Saturday and Sunday. We haven't decided what we'll be doing those days but the Broad Ripple area sounds intriguing. I don't have any idea what we will be near in the NW area. Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks, Julie

bmillersc

The Speedway is on the WNW side if that interests you.

indytravel

Eagle Creek park is on the north west side. So is the Indianapolis art museum. It's on the former grounds of the Eli Lilly estate. The Lilly mansion is open to see and is very beautiful.

For a concentration of things you might head downtown one day. You could see a museum or two: Indiana State, the NCAA hall of fame, the small free Civil War museum under monument circle. Dinner could be Malibu on Maryland, Palomino, Alcatraz Brewing Co., Mo's, Morton's, etc.

The other day you could see Broadripple. I'd shop there for the late afternoon then have dinner. There isn't much else to do in the area as far as a museum or anything. If you're into loud nightlife the Vogue has been forever popular.

If you're interested in another show the Massachusetts Ave. area has a lot of that. It's on the very near northeast side of downtown. Theater on the Square, the Phoenix theater and the Murat all stage shows. Nicer restaurants in that area are Agio, Rathskellar and R's Bistro.

hlphillips2

Not too far from there is Zionsville. It's a cute little town, sort of like Broad Ripple but without the drunks! There are loads of restaurants, recommend Cobblestone Grill (great atmosphere, great owner - Liz, and great wine list). From I465 exit on Michigan Road, head north and follow the signs. You'll turn left off of Michigan, then at the next stoplight (which is a ways) turn right down the cobblestone street. Cobblestone Grill will be on your right hand side. The town is about 150+ years old, lots of old shops and buildings (like Broad Ripple but older). If you like antique shops it's fun to do during the day, otherwise would recommend indytravel's ideas of downtown (take the canal walk or tour the War Memorial).

jam35

Thanks for the replies. How far away from the downtown area is Zionsville? Sounds like it might be fun.

Colette

In Broad Ripple is a neat little place for lunch---near the canal. It's a French cafe called "Renee's". Very cute, they serve sandwiches, salads, pastries, very European. I always try to get there when in Broad Ripple.

cd

If you've not been to Speedway, it is worth a visit. There is a museum in the middle area of the track and interesting even if you don't know a lot about race cars. They have a bus that will take you around the track.

hlphillips2

The Speedway tour is a great idea, though if your not into cars you'll be done pretty quickly.

cd -- Zionsville is no more than half an hour from downtown if you take the interstate. I'd recommend that versus backroads.

Colette - unfortunately Renees is closed! It's now an ad agency. But less than a block is a place called Corner Wine Bar. They're under new management and the food is fantastic. You'll have to try it next time you're in town. Three Sisters Cafe is also delicious, with a blend of Italian and Vietnamese.

dln

Jam, here are a few more restaurant suggestions, all places my husband and I have eaten at and enjoyed: in Broad Ripple, a small restaurant with the best Italian food this side of the Atlantic, called Tavola Di Tosa. Tony Hanslits, the chef/owner, is a genius in the kitchen. The address is 6523 Ferguson Avenue, phone (317) 202-0240, for reservations. Also, as mentioned above, Three Sisters is very good. At Massachusetts Avenue downtown, another tasty choice is Scholars Inn at 725 Mass. Ave, phone 536-0707. They have a great Sunday brunch menu. If you want good and cheap New Orleans food (only $5 a plate!!) you can try Yats, just down the street from Broad Ripple, at 5363 College Avenue. It's funky and informal, and the food, like all my other suggestions, is made from scratch.