Indianapolis
 

Invited to a wedding in Indy in September. A few friends have made off the cuff remarks that there's nothing to see there. Should I only go Friday - Sunday or is it worth it to take a couple days off and see it?

Downtown Indie has a nice hotel and restaurant area. If you can stay in the center of the city and enjoy this district for a night in addition to your wedding obligations, I think you will enjoy.

the Broad Ripple area of Indy isn't terrible. A couple of decent restaurants and shops, and a bar or two.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art has some interesting works.

In other words, your friends are correct.

-indianapolis 500 racetrack and museum
-columbus indiana architecural gem of a town
-great golf in the area
-metamora.. nice drive.. canal, quaint shop, canal boat

1.5 hours to cincinnati

Ok, so maybe I will keep the Thursday night reservation and poke around a bit. Might be cool to see where the Indy 500 happens! Thanks much!

There are a few wineries in the area that are pretty good. If you get one nice meal out, try Elemants. Great place.

Just got back from Indianapolis yesterday. The art museum is excellent. It's adjacent to the Lilly home and gardens. They're worth seeing too.

For a good beer and a meal, try the Rathskellar:
http://www.rathskeller.com/

Downtown Indy is nice and clean, very easy to walk around. The Mass. Ave area is nice (where Rathskeller is)..fun to see the little boutiques, have a beer and some dinner. Rathskeller has a nice beer garden for after dinner. Scholar's Inn is a good place to eat (pricey like Elements) - if you like Scottish food check-out McNiven's (laid-back).

Broadripple is full (I mean FULL) of bars/eateries. It is also a fun place to walk around/shop and get some food/drinks. I personally enjoy the food at Ambrosia, Corner Wine Bar, Bazbeaux. All great atmosphere and good food.

I'm not a big race fan, but it is worth seeing the Motor Speedway.

As for wineries, heading towards Bloomington/Indiana University is a beautiful drive. The Bloomington/Brown County area is very nice. Oliver Winery near Bloomington is a fun place to do some tasting, get some cheese/fruit and drink wine on their scenic property.

Of course, Indiana is NOT California, but it does have its charm. :)

I am tired, so sorry for any typos

oh, yah - if you do goto the Indianapolis Museum of Art eat at Puck's!