Indianapolis Hotels, Attractions, and Information

Written by Julie Greiner

Indianapolis offers a warm welcome and traditional Hoosier hospitality to visitors and travelers throughout the year. The city is a commercial manufacturing, transportation and cultural center situated in the productive Corn Belt on White River in the center of Indiana. Indianapolis has many first... only... and biggest... that can be bragged about. During the nineteenth century when railroads were at their peek, Indianapolis was considered the crossroads of America. The twentieth century proved to be a wake-up and development period. The twenty-first century is witness to the city of Indianapolis being transformed into a cosmopolitan metroplex catering to the convention/tourist trade. Come visit Indianapolis and enjoy any of the four seasons in full bloom.

Indianapolis Has It All

Indianapolis is home to the two largest single-day sporting events in the world - the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400; the largest children's museum in the world, the largest water clock in North America (26.5 feet tall, 70 gallons of water) and one of the largest Kiwanis clubs in the world. The Indianapolis International Airport is the largest airport in the United States managed by a private firm. Indianapolis is Indianapolis Aerial

the 12th largest city in the United States and it has been home to such notables as: Pete Dye, George McGinnis, Wilma Rudolph, Benjamin Harrison, Steve McQueen, Booth Tarkington, Tony Hinkle, Jane Pauley, Kurt Vonnegut, David Letterman, James Whitcomb Rile, Dan Wakefield, Eli Lilly, Oscar Robertson and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument located in the center of downtown Indianapolis is annually transformed into one of the world's largest Christmas trees (284 feet tall).

Indianapolis' Claim to Fame

Famous since 1902, the St. Elmo Steak House has delighted the palates of the discriminating diner. There is turn-of-the-century ambience, exceptional steaks, succulent seafood and fine wines. The shrimp cocktail is indescribable. Reservations suggested (317) 635-0636 -- Shapiro's Kosher Deli is famous for its potato pancakes, sandwiches Christmas on the Circle

and liver and onion platter. You can catch the Shortridge Breakfast Club there any Saturday morning. Cafeteria style services, just walk in. (317) 631-4041 -- The City Market is an experience in shopping that one will not forget. An old world marketplace featuring prepared foods, ethnic groceries, and retail shops. -- The Eagles Nest is a revolving rooftop restaurant and piano lounge of American continental cuisine with specialty desserts. Reservations suggested (317) 616-6170. These are only a minute sampling of the abundance of choices.

Shopping and Dining out in Indianapolis

Shopping in Indy. The downtown circle is an enclosed mall - Circle Center. What more can one say about the shopping experience in Indianapolis. Just to name a few - Lafayette Square contains some 90 stores, Southport Antique Mall houses some 210 dealers, Convention Center and RCA Dome

there is the Fashion Mall at Keystone Crossings, Midland Arts and Antiques Market of Treasures of over 100 dealers, Fountain Square Merchants of the historic commercial district with over 200 dealers, Castleton Square Mall, Glendale and the list just goes on and on. From world renowned mega department stores to individually owned boutiques - the variety is simply breathtaking.

The choices of Museums range from the largest childrens museum in the world, to the Indiana World War Memorial and the USS Indianapolis. There are the renovated historical districts to the Athenaeum. Historical treasures such as the Morris-Butler House Museum, poet James Whitcomb Riley Home and Benjamin Harrison Home. If live theatre is what you are looking for you may choose from Footlight Musicals, Gilbert Circle Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre... and the lists of parks, gardens and conservatories have not even begun. Indianapolis is home to Butler University and Indiana University Schools of Medicine and Law.

Indianapolis Attractions

You may choose from Historic Inns renovated in the downtown district to grand hotel plazas second to none. There is the Courtyard by Marriott at the Capitol, the Crowne Plaza at the fabulous Union Station. Luxury accommodations that cater to your every whim and need are abundant.