Indiana --Indianapolis and Bloomington help
 

I am going to Indianapolis for a couple of days for business, and then will go to Bloomington to visit a friend. I will have an afternoon, and 1 or 2 dinners free in Indy, staying downtown near the connvention center (at the Hyatt Regency, specifically).

First, can anyone suggest some good sights in Indy for an afternoon? I like museums and historic sites. Originally was thinking of the art museum, but its a little out of the way. That is, I think I would prefer to walk around downtown a little bit and see whats there. Are there particular spots you think are worth a stop?

Second, any dining recommendations for a solo diner? I generally like to sit at the bar when I'm alone, and like places where the food is good, and dining at the bar is generally accepted, and that are NOT pickup joints.

What about Bloomington? I'll be staying near the IU campus, my friend is new to the area and doesn't know much about what there is to see. It seems IU has a pretty nice art museum. Any other thoughts?

Dining recommendations in Bloomington?

I'd be much obliged for any ideas! thanks!

topping...surely somebody has some advice about Indy?

St. Elmo's would be good for dinner at the bar...make sure and have some shrimp cocktail. It's sister restaurant Harry & izzy's would also be good for a solo dinner at the bar.

if you like sports the NCAA hall of champions museum is pretty interesting. There are some other museums on the canal as well...all within walking distance of downtown.

thanks a lot illnative. I googled St Elmo's, and it is veryy close to the hotel and looks good. I love shrimp cocktail.

The Indianapolis tourism site (visitindy.com) talks about the Canal and White River st park which is where the NCAA museum is, and some other museums. is that area photogenic? I'll be walking around with camera in tow, so if the park is picturesque, that would make it more interesting.

I guess if one only had a few hours and had to choose between strolling through the park and visiting one of the museums, or going up to the Monument circle and the War memorial, which would you pick?

I'd pick strolling along canal, and the Eiteljorg (or however its spelled) gallery -- a real gem.


Another possibility, if you're looking for an excuse to be outdoors, would be a visit to the Zoo, which modern and really nice. Or the art museum -- it has some great sculpture gardens on the property.

Don't know about Bloomington, sorry.

If you are interested in modern architecture, a day-trip to nearby Columbus IN is a must-do. I

I would second/third the suggestion to walk along the canal. The Eiteljorg, Indiana State Museum, NCAA museum, White River Gardens and zoo are all nice, as is the canal itself. I really like the art museum, too, if you end up having extra time. The grounds this time of year are quite pretty.

I'm not a huge fan of Saint Elmo's, but to each their own. I'd head east a bit to Mass. Ave. Lots of local eateries. Bakersfield (my fave), The Ball and Biscuit, Bazbeaux, MacNivens just to name a few. There are some cool shops along there, too. It's a few blocks from your hotel, but very doable. For lunch, try Cafe Patachou across the street from your hotel on Washington. Napolese and the Libertine are also interesting, too. Go to the latter if you enjoy inventive cocktails.

As for Bloomington, I like the Uptown Cafe, Farm, Finches Brasserie, Samira, Nick's to name a few for dinner. Laughing Planet and the Village Deli are good for lunch. Bloomington has a lot of decent restaurants, especially downtown. Just roam a bit until you find something interesting. Service is often an issue though, so prepare to be patient.

thanks, lots of good info here. This may be just the first of a few regular business trips, so if I don't do it this time I may next time around. In particular, I know there will be no time for Columbus this time, but maybe later. I am interested in architecture.

I think I'll be in Bloomington during a football weekend, so will definitely try to be patient.

Libertine looks cool, I am a fan of craft cocktails. Unfortunately I'm on a low-carb diet, so the Italian/pizza places are out. Sad, because they look yummy. That's why the steakhouse thing might be better for me.

Is the Eagle's Nest, which is the Hyatt's restaurant any good? or is it as bad as the combination of hotel restaurant/rooftop lounge make it seem?

I haven't been to the Eagle's Nest in years. As in, thirty plus. It seemed tired even then, but I have no recent experience. Don't rule out Napolese. Their salads are really good! Let us know where you end up going. There are a few other neighborhoods to explore if and when you have time during future visits. The SE side of downtown (Fountain Square) has a handful of interesting restaurants, bars, etc.

Columbus, absolutely, and he surrounding area is gorgeous.

The Dalai Lama's brother owns or used to own a Tibetan restaurant in Bloomington, and of course IU has what is generally regarded as the best university based music program in the country. The standard of student and faculty performance is very high, and visiting stars are common.

In Bloomington, if you are a steak lover, go to Little Zagreb's. There is frequently a wait there (maybe go at 6pm if the game is a 3:30 game?) - but it is great. Red checked table cloths .. it is where they bring the recruits and I've seen sportscasters there in town for big games.

We used to put our names in there, and go around the corner to the Irish pub (The Irish Lion) for a beer before heading back to check on reservations (usually done when the wait was 45 min =1 hr.).

Indiana is a gorgeous campus - go for a walk - the Art Museum was designed by IM Pei.

Thanks folks. surfmom, Little Zagreb's sounds good. And I love looking at buildings, and scout out those by famous architects. I will definitely take a look at the art musuem.

AckIslander, your comments about the music school make me smile. The whole reason I'm going to Bloomington is to visit a friend who is a former BSO musician and new professor of music at IU. So yeah...they have great faculty :)

It is amazing how people with great taste congregate on this forum! It is nice to know that I am still right about their distinguished faculty, I.e., your BSO friend.

Their campus streaming radio station has been my choice for listening to the Met broadcast because of its quality signal.

Are you a musician? I have a lot of friends in the Boston musical community, though most of them are involved with Emmanuel Music.

I'm a devoted, but very rusty amateur flutist. But I've been attending classical music performances for a long time, particularly the BSO. And I know a few people in the music community, but mostly as friends of friends.