The Central Canal Towpath in my backyard is perfect for long walks. Lining the historic Indianapolis Water Company Canal behind Butler University, the scenic Towpath stretches to the Monon Trail in Broad Ripple and past the Indianapolis Museum of Art toward downtown.
It’s difficult to name just one place, but Midtown Indy is certainly home to some of the best places to catch a game on TV. Whether it’s Binkley’s along College Ave., or Kilroy’s, Brother’s, Chumley’s, and Union Jack’s around the corner in the Broad Ripple Village, there are plenty of great places to watch the big game.
Hinkle Fieldhouse, of course! Built in 1928 on the campus of Butler University, it was the largest basketball arena in the United States. Renovated in 2014, Hinkle is still known as Basketball’s Cathedral and home to my Butler University Bulldogs. Step inside to see where scenes from the movie “Hoosiers” were filmed, stand on the original basketball court, take the self-guided walking tour, and make plans to come back for a game!
Indianapolis has become a destination for big time arts and culture entertainment, so we often have friends coming into town to catch a show. That means we’re bouncing around between some really great venues like Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler University and The Amphitheater at White River State Park. One features near acoustic perfection, the other boasts a view of the Indianapolis skyline under the moon and stars, and both locations offer a great atmosphere for Indy’s best in arts and entertainment.
Family time is best had along the trails and shores of Eagle Creek Park, Indianapolis’ largest park which features 1,400 acres of water and 3,900 acres of land. Open to dogs like me, the park is perfect in every season with a yearly schedule chocked full of events and activities.
Look no further than S. Illinois Street and St. Elmo Steak House and its sister establishment, Harry & Izzy’s. Not only are these fine places to just hangout, but they also offer a mouth-watering filet, excellent service, and the world’s best in shrimp cocktail.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) comes to mind. I’ve been out there a number of times in support of 2003 Butler University graduate Ed Carpenter, who gets to race the expansive 2.5-mile oval as a driver and owner in the IndyCar Series. The Indianapolis 500 is a can’t-miss event, but even if you’re not in town during race weekend, IMS offers tours, features a museum, and through the Indy Racing Experience, you can even take a breath-taking ride around the Brickyard at race speeds!
Granted, this is just a dog’s eye view, but I think the best summer activities can be had all season long throughout the Indianapolis Cultural Trail route. This 8-mile downtown trail connects some of Indianapolis’ best neighborhoods and cultural districts, entertainment venues, eateries, and dog-friendly spots.
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