I love museums and Indianapolis has so many to choose from. I’ve missed going to them this past year and am manifesting filling my calendar with museum dates this next year. Here’s a round up of some I’ve been wanting to visit as well as some other Indianapolis staples.
I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not just for kids. They host regular “After Dark” events just for adults. They seem to be on hold at the moment due to Covid but in the “before times,” it was one of my favorite date night activities.
Looking for something a little macabre? Do things like skeletons and preserved organs not make you queasy? This might be for you.The museum is in the oldest pathology building in the nation and the tour includes a teaching amphitheater, laboratories, an autopsy room and much more. I think medical history is fascinating but if you have a weak stomach, you may want to skip it.
Home of the poet and philanthropist James Whitcomb Riley. Ever heard of Orphan Annie or the musical Annie? Based on a poem of his. Riley Children’s Hospital? Same guy.
I’m a big music nerd and I’ve been dying to visit since I learned about this place last year. It’s an interactive museum and the world’s only interactive drum and percussion museum.
Vonnegut was a native Hoosier and the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library showcases his “literary, artistic, and cultural” contributions. His books are on my reading list for this summer so a date here would have perfect timing.
It’s official, I have spring fever. I’m done trekking through snow and defrosting my car ignition with a hair dryer (true story) and I’m ready for warmer days. After being cooped up inside during this cold Indianapolis winter, I can’t wait to go on some spring dates in Indianapolis together. You bring your charming self and I’ll wear a short, flirty sundress.
Number one on the greenhouse tour is Garfield Park. Located south of downtown, the park hosts an indoor conservatory, sunken garden, and arts center hosting regular exhibitions by local artists.
White River Gardens is part of the Indianapolis Zoo. It spans 3.3 acres of both indoor and outdoor gardens as well as a butterfly garden. Admission to the gardens also includes the zoo if you want to see the animals or go to the aquarium and pet the sharks (my favorite).
This is one of my favorite spots to walk downtown in the warmer months. It’s a perfect place to stroll hand in hand, have a picnic, fly a kite, or play Pokemon Go. Afterwards, we can walk to one of Indy’s many downtown eateries or slip back to somewhere a little more private.
I love art museums, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art is no exception. Let me show you my favorite Renoir or we can walk through the art and nature preserve or the flower garden.
Did you know that there are catacombs under the city market? Tours are held twice a month in the spooky underground cavern. I’ve been dying to go for years and have yet to find someone to indulge me.
I am not a morning person, I will do almost anything to stay in bed just five more minutes. What can I say, a girl needs her beauty rest. I also love breakfast, my love of breakfast food rivals my love of a warm bed. I will drag myself out of bed with the promise of French toast and mimosas. I love everything about it. I love that it’s an excuse to basically eat dessert first thing in the morning. I love that it has made starting my day with champagne acceptable. And if I’m craving something more savory? What’s better than eggs covered in cheese and hot sauce. Breakfast is truly the best meal of the day.
Indianapolis is not lacking in the brunch department and this is something to celebrate. From high end dining to your classic diner, Indy has it all. I want to highlight just a few of my favorite brunch spots as well as list a couple that I have yet to try. Who knows, it might become our new favorite.
Milktooth is located in the downtown neighborhood of Fletcher Place. The building used to be an old car dealership but now hosts one of Indianapolis’ fine diners. Their menu is focused on “utilizing the beautiful produce and agriculture of Indiana to serve world inspired breakfast and lunch fare.” It was chosen as one of the 10 best new restaurants by Bon Appetite in 2015. Along with their breakfast specials, you can find craft cocktails and coffee in this unique, cozy space.
Ruth’s is a place you want to visit for the decor alone. The walls are covered in kitchy signs and mugs and the tables and chairs are all hand decorated with modge podged pop culture clippings. The atmosphere is fun. They have all of the expected breakfast staples and they do them well.
If you’re looking for a classic diner, this is it. It’s a local chain with nine locations throughout Indiana. You’re not going to find fancy coffee or mimosas, but this place is still special and I go often. I recommend the donut biscuits with apple butter or the healthy waffle (it’s not that healthy).
Cafe Patachou is another local chain that does breakfast food well. They have five locations throughout the Indianapolis area. Their menu is full of gluten free and vegan options for the food sensitive people in your life as well as coffees and cocktails for a perfect way to start your day.
3 Sisters Café – Broad Ripple
3 Sisters is located in an old house in the heart of Broad Ripple Village. It’s most notable claim to fame was it’s appearance on the Food Network program Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. That’s right, this place is Guy Fieri approved. I recommend getting a table on the front porch if you can. Sunlight pairs perfectly with their signature lemon corn cakes.
Biscuits is another Broad Ripple staple and for good reason. Where else serves Mexican and breakfast food? Can’t choose between tacos or french toast? Here, you don’t have to. Personally, I love a place with versatility. Biscuits knows what they’re about and they stick to it.
Located in south Broad Ripple, Good Morning Mama’s is a 60s themed cafe. The building used to be an old filling station and was bought by the owners of Mama Carolla’s (another Indianapolis staple) and was converted into the well loved cafe it is today. I have yet to visit but it’s high on my list of brunch spots to try.
Yolk is another spot on my to-try list. It started in the south loop of Chicago and has since expanded and has three Indianapolis locations. They specialize in upscale breakfast with specialty juices and coffees. The menu is classic breakfast fare but that’s more than enough to get me in the door. Located conveniently by the Ironworks Hotel, it’s a perfect place for a post rendezvous meal.
Lastly on my list of places to try is Rize. Rize’s menu is simple and fresh, two things I can appreciate. One of the things I love about breakfast food is how indulgent it can be but sometimes it’s nice to have something lighter. And after a night of indulgence together, sometimes it doesn’t need to continue into the morning. But don’t worry, they still have some classic breakfast foods like waffles and Benedicts if you need your fix.
