Treat your guests to pampering at a luxurious spa, decadent desserts, some vino, and a delicious meal. Evan Todd Spa & Salon (pictured) at the Conrad Indianapolis or Studio 2000 Spa & Salon on Monument Circle are great places to start. Head to Mass Ave to tour and taste test at local favorites Best Chocolate in Town and Flying Cupcake, then sample wines at Mass Ave Wine Shoppe or Easley Winery.
An entire day can be spent touring one of the top ten largest art museums in the nation, the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, with 152 acres of manicured gardens and grounds and a 50,000-piece permanent collection that includes Robert Indiana’s original LOVE sculpture (it’s not in Philly or New York City). Enjoy a gourmet lunch surrounded by the artwork. Or venture to the bohemian village of Broad Ripple to discover art galleries and the Indianapolis Art Center (pictured), a Michael Graves designed building surrounded by a sculpture park. Workshops in many mediums are available to groups.
A 150-acre urban organic dairy farm and artisan creamery just minutes from Indy’s downtown represents the rich agriculture that surrounds Indianapolis and feeds local restaurants. Traders Point Creamery crafts, serves, and sells gourmet cheeses, ice cream, yogurt, and milk from the Brown Swiss cows grazing their rolling pastures. Tours, taste testing, and dining at The Loft restaurant makes for a great day on the farm.
See the city, learn the history, and get some exercise with ActiveIndy Tours. Walking, jogging, and biking tours take groups past iconic attractions and include a knowledgeable guide. Learn what the Central Canal was originally designed for, discover the city’s automotive heritage, pose for photo ops in front of architectural landmarks, and create memories in the city’s cultural enclaves.
A little slice of Venice comes alive in Indy with gondola rides from Old World Gondoliers. Sit back, relax, and enjoy panoramic city views while being serenaded with romantic Italian songs. The cruise along the scenic Central Canal winding through White River State Park takes visitors past world-class museums, war memorials, and public art installations.
Known as the Arts and Theater District, a free-spirited and friendly mood spills from the many venues and independent boutiques sprinkling the Avenue. Nearly 100 years old, Stout’s Shoes is the oldest shoe store in the nation. Arts a Poppin and Silver in the City (pictured) sell wares by local artists, and J. Benzal specializes in urban fashion for gentlemen. Parents can’t go wrong at the colorful and kenetic Nurture.
Just down Virginia Avenue is Fountain Square, a vibrant neighborhood as unique as the people who call it home. This funky historic district has plenty of charm as evidenced in shops like Vintage Vogue, Square Cat Vinyl, and Wildwood Market.
Five miles north of downtown, Broad Ripple's boutiques keep the neighborhood hopping until the bars and clubs open. Artsy types come in search of music, vintage clothing, decor, gifts and books. French Pharmacie stocks modern designer labels. Health enthusiasts will love Rusted Moon Outfitters for their gear and The Good Earth for natural food. Classic boutiques like The Bungalow and Broad Ripple Vintage are Broad Ripple staples. High fashion reigns at 8Fifteen (pictured), and the freshest footwear can be found at gotSOLE.
