Discover the Best Weekend Getaway in Indianapolis

Introduction

Chicago may receive significant attention as the informal capital of the Midwest, yet Indiana’s largest city, Indianapolis, offers a unique allure that deserves recognition. Renowned for its stature in the realm of sports, hosting events such as the NCAA Final Four and the Olympic Swim Trials, Indianapolis stands out in its own right.

While the city undoubtedly shines during major sporting events, it possesses a year-round creative spirit with a flourishing cultural scene, making it a worthwhile destination at any time throughout the year.

As an ardent explorer of the Midwest, I aim to challenge the misperception of the region as merely “flyover country.” Astonishing discoveries abound within this heartland. Despite my global travels, I am continually drawn to the understated charm of Indianapolis.

Perhaps it is due to my connection with family, or the myriad of underrated dining establishments that serve exceptional dishes infused with local character. The city’s varied and culturally rich neighborhoods brim with engaging endeavors. Regardless of the reason, experience the best Indianapolis has to offer with this definitive weekend guide.

Friday

• Morning: Begin your journey refreshed in Indiana’s capital. I advocate for starting the trip with an action-packed agenda, so consider fueling your morning with a visit to Borage in Speedway. While weekend visits can be bustling, midweek visits offer a more relaxed experience, ensuring ease of entry.

• How to spend the day: Next, make your way to the illustrious Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), home to the famous Indy 500, recognized as the largest single-day sporting event globally. A visit to IMS is essential, where the on-site museum is currently being renovated, with completion expected by April 2025; however, the track remains open for tours.

  Partake in the tradition of kissing the finish line, which features the original bricks from the historical track. Even those not inclined towards racing will find charm in IMS, with attractions ranging from the renowned Snake Pit EDM festival to a Pete Dye-designed golf course. If you’re feeling hungry, stop by The AMP, a local food hall with colorful vendor offerings. Don’t forget to indulge in a glitter strawberry from Punkin’s Pies.

  Afterwards, enjoy some time on the water with Frank’s Paddlesports Livery, which provides canoe, paddleboard, and kayak rentals along the revitalized White River, a remarkable urban oasis.

  A guided paddle here is suitable for any skill level, making it an ideal way to spend an active afternoon.

• Dinner: After a refreshing break at your hotel, consider dining at Tinker Street. This charming establishment embodies the essence of a cozy neighborhood restaurant with an innovative menu. Known for its distinctive offerings such as Korean-fried mushrooms and a complimentary bubbly “Tinker Toast,” it quickly becomes a beloved spot. Due to popularity, reservations are highly recommended.

• If Tinker is fully booked, Vida, located in Lockerbie Square, presents an excellent alternative. This venue serves an elevated take on regional cuisine, featuring a tasting menu and notable desserts like the ricotta donuts.

• After dark: For a post-dinner drink, consider visiting Solely Wine, a newly established wine bar and bottle shop nearby that specializes in low-intervention wines.

Saturday

• Morning: Depending on your accommodation’s location, consider grabbing a coffee and a light breakfast at Blue Collar Coffee Co, Amelia’s, or Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company. Plan for an early lunch later in the day.

• How to spend the day: In Indianapolis, a visit to RH Indianapolis, a stunning 42,000-sq-ft villa transformed into an art and furniture gallery, is a must. With a serene atmosphere, the venue features 60 rooms surrounded by a 35-acre private lake and 151 acres of gardens.

  Complete your visit with a leisurely lunch at the on-site restaurant, which opens at 10 am. Recommended are their BLT and Caesar salad.

  Continue the artistic exploration at Newfields, Indianapolis Museum of Art, located nearby. Featuring works by celebrated artists like Picasso and Calder, with a unique interactive exhibit—THE LUME, featuring Dalí’s surrealist masterpieces and Spanish-inspired cocktails.

• Dinner: For dinner, I recommend Bluebeard, named in tribute to local author Kurt Vonnegut. The restaurant can be reached by walking along the Cultural Trail, known for linking diverse cultural districts. The fall pasta is highly praised, and the dukkah-spiced pumpkin seeds are exceptionally delightful.

• After dark: Just a block away from Bluebeard lies The Inferno Room, a tiki bar featuring a diverse cocktail menu along with an impressive collection of Papua New Guinea art lining the walls, creating a unique atmosphere.

Sunday

• Morning: Conclude your Indianapolis journey at Milktooth, the establishment that propelled the city onto the national culinary stage. Prepare for a wait, as this venue is bustling every weekend. They are well-known for their Dutch baby pancakes, which come with both sweet and savory options that change regularly. If your Sunday only allows for a single experience, make it Milktooth.

• The surrounding neighborhood, Fletcher Place, is home to various independent boutiques. Noteworthy visits include Howl + Hide, a colorful leather goods store, alongside other small businesses, including Square Cat Vinyl, Snakeroot Botanicals, Rooftop Fruit, and Flux.

• How to spend the day: If time permits, consider visiting the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, renowned as the largest in the country. Alternatively, explore the Near Eastside enclave of Windsor Park, accessible via the Monon Trail and the Cultural Trail.

  Within the Factory Arts District (previously the Circle City Industrial Complex), engage with the unique sport of Fowling, a creative blend of football and bowling at Fowling Warehouse. For a more artistic endeavor, attend a class at Indy Fused Glass, where even novices can create something beautiful, such as stained glass coasters. The area also hosts brewery options and distilleries for those looking to sample Indianapolis-crafted beverages, including those from 8th Day Distillery.

This weekend itinerary only begins to unveil the abundance of experiences that await in Indianapolis. Whether you visit for a prominent sporting event or a unique concert, you will find that the Circle City continually enriches its charm and offerings.