We are planning a trip to Indianapolis the weekend of October 13th. (We will be in town to see the VanHalen concert.) It will just be my husband and I. We were wondering if there were any places we should see while there,or any recommended places to eat.We prefer casual type restaurants. We would prefer to try local places versues chain restaurants.While searching online I did find Oldfields Lilly House and Gardens, The Fountain Square Diner, and Freemasons Scottish Rite Cathedral looked like good places to visit. Has anyone been there? What about Bonge's Tavern in Perkinsville? St Elmo Steakhouse? I also enjoy visiting local shops and /or antique stores. We would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

Welcome to Indy. I assume you will be staying downtown? Unfortunately Indianapolis is cursed with a large quantity of chain restaurants, but I will mention a few close to downtown that are locally owned (I think) and interesting. St. Elmo's is somewhat of a standard for visitors - but it isn't terribly casual (or at least the prices aren't). Iaria's is just outside of downtown and great for casual (local)Italian food. A walk up Massachusetts Avenue will result in many choices of local food including MacNivens (great beer selection), Bazbeaux Pizza, and Yats - which are all casual.

Search my name and you'll see a recent trip report that included a day in indy. The local historic office has great brochures for self-guided walking tours and I really enjoyed walking through the Lockerbie neighborhood.

You might like visiting Broad Ripple Village. Lots of neat little restaurants, good bars, nightclubs and boutiques. It's up at College Avenue and 65th Streets. And, as mentioned, there are lots of good restaurants and shops on Massachusetts Avenue, which is within walking distance from Monument Circle. The Art Museum is wonderful--beautiful landscaping, a big mansion, a greenhouse, and the museum itself, which has undergone an extensive addition that is spectacular. There's a new exhibit of Roman artifacts from the Louvre that is well worth seeing.

Downtown there's the zoo, the botanical gardens, the sports museum, the Eiteljorg Museum of western art, all on the banks of the canal and White River. The canal's really nice to walk along.

I wouldn't bother eating at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. The restaurant is on the dowdy side. St. Elmo's has fantastic steaks and a fantastic price to go with it.

If you get the newspaper on Friday, you can look up all the city events for the upcoming weekend. Or buy a copy of the Indianapolis Monthly magazine.

Oh, for antique shops, you must go the Midland Antiques Mall. It's downtown. Anyone can give you directions to it. You will be in heaven when you get there! It has a great selection of furniture, jewelry, china, and accessories.

I think you will like Indianapolis. It's a great little city!

It has been over 10 years since I was last there, but I really enjoyed the antique stores when a friend took me to Noblesville.

I'd skip Fountain Square. I spent a week in Indy this summer. On the 'net I found a web site that made Fountain Square look really neat.

We drove in circles and finally found it. There was hardly anything there.

One place I liked is Rathskellar. High prices but great surroundings.

www.rathskeller.com

Thanks so much for all of the suggestions! We are actually staying just outside of town,(about 15 mins away) but will be driving in to eat etc... we are looking forward to our visit.We weren't planning on eating at Scottish Rite Cathedral, just touring it.Has anyone eaten at Larias or Bazbeaux Pizza? Do they have websites? What type of restaurant is Yats? I will purchase the newspaper and magazine you mentioned, thanks for the tip.Cant wait to see The Midland Antiques Mall! Will visit Broad Ripple also. How far is Noblesville from Indy?

Here are some links:

Iaria's: - (click to menu at the bottom of the page)
http://www.americascuisine.com/indianapolis/Iaria.htm

Bazbeaux:
http://www.bazbeaux.com/

Yats:
http://www.yatscajuncreole.com/

Some of the Yats' locations only take cash - be prepared.

Noblesville is north of Indy and not worth the drive if you have limited amounts of time. It is a cute little town that is in the middle of suburban he$$.

You will have plenty to do with the suggestions here! Have fun.

Bazbeaux's is not necessarily the best pizza ever, but it's pretty yummy. I have enjoyed my trips to the Fountain Square Diner, too. Granted, there's not much else in that area, but if you have ever eaten at an old time drug store counter, that's what it sort of reminds me of. Good burgers, shakes, and fries, if you're in the mood for a trip down memory lane, but not necessarily a must-do. It's been a while since I've been there, but if I'm not mistaken, it's relatively close to Midland Antiques, if you are interested in going there.

Thanks to everyone for all of the tips and suggestions. I am looking forward to this weekend. I will let you know how our visit to Indy went!!!