14 Things to See, Do and Eat in Indianapolis Right Now

It's easy to fill a weekend in the Hoosier City.

By Patricia Harrison

As the host of the Indianapolis 500, Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Indy is undoubtedly a motorsports destination. But the Midwest metropolis has far more to offer beyond events and attractions on the racetrack (though if you love speed, those are worth checking out, too). From world-renowned museums to a thriving culinary scene, Indiana’s capital has no shortage of things to do, see, and eat, making it an ideal place to spend a long weekend. Read on for 14 ways to fill your itinerary in the Hoosier City. 

Indianapolis Motor Speedway | jetcityimage - stock.adobe.com

What to See and Do
Want to immerse yourself in motorsports? Check Indianapolis Motor Speedway's year-round schedule to plan your trip around a racing event (the largest—the Indianapolis 500—takes place every Memorial Day weekend). Or check out the Motor Speedway Museum, a cultural institution inside the famed oval track that houses winning race cars, memorabilia and even racing-inspired fine art.

Those interested in other varieties of sports can catch a football game at Lucas Oil Stadium, the headquarters for NFL's Indianapolis Colts (September through January). Or watch the NBA's Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (October through April).

Lucas Oil Stadium | C5Media - stock.adobe.com

If you’re in town with the kiddos, spend the day exploring two of Indianapolis’ top family-friendly attractions: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and Indianapolis Zoo. The museum—which has a vast number of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a full-size carousel and a pedal-car track—is the largest in the United States. Meanwhile, hundreds of animals, from dolphins and sharks to macaws and tigers, reside in a variety of impressive biomes at the zoo.

Stretch your legs at White River State Park, with its 250 acres of green space on the west side of Indianapolis. The park has five popular paved walking and biking trails and several attractions are located on-site, including Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites and Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. The latter, one of the only two museums east of the Mississippi that focuses on the art of Native America and the American West, is a must-visit.

White River State Park

What to Eat and Drink
The St. Elmo Steak House has been a downtown Indianapolis landmark since 1902. Start with the shrimp cocktail, which has been on the menu since the restaurant opened, then turn your attention to the lineup of steaks. We recommend the well-marbled flat iron or slow-roasted bone-in prime rib—both of which play well with shareable sides such as king crab mac 'n cheese or house-made onion rings.

Indiana is lauded as the birthplace of the pork tenderloin sandwich, so visitors can't leave the capital city without devouring one (or two). Try the comforting stacker—which is served breaded or grilled on a toasted knot bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo, at The Roost, a breakfast and lunch joint in the Nora neighborhood.

Snag a table at Bluebeard, a petite, farm-to-table eatery serving the cuisine of James Beard–nominated chef Abbi Merriss. The menu features a rotating selection of bites such as ginger-vinaigrette-dressed golden beet tartare and scallops with grilled ramps and pomegranate chile crisp.

The Cannon Ball Lounge, Indy's only indoor-outdoor rooftop bar, serves locally inspired cocktails and crafted brews alongside a selection of light bites. Sip on an Indiana Old Fashioned infused with bourbon and red wine while you nibble on a warm soft pretzel and admire lovely panoramas of the city.

Where to Stay
Conrad Indianapolis
The art-forward Conrad is home to Long-Sharp Gallery, where you can view works by greats such as Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso. As for amenities, guests love the spa, indoor infinity edge pool and pet-friendly rooms. Book one of the suites, which sport masterpieces from cultural movements such as modernism and surrealism.

Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
This contemporary property, connected to the Indianapolis Convention Center via a heated, glass-encased skywalk, and just steps from Lucas Oil Stadium, is a stellar home base for business and leisure travelers who want to experience everything downtown Indy has to offer. Reserve a table at the Eagle's Nest, a revolving rooftop restaurant with 360-degree views of the cityscape or check out the bounty of eateries within walking distance of the hotel.

Omni Severin Hotel
The Omni Severin in downtown Indianapolis is favored by travelers for its central location within walking distance from several key attractions. It’s also connected to both Circle Centre Mall and the Indianapolis Convention Center via skywalks. At the hotel, guests can catch the game while sipping a brew at Severin Bar, relax at the indoor pool or borrow a fitness kit for an in-room yoga session.

Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.

Banner photo: Indianapolis skyline and the White River

There’s Something for Everyone in Manchester

By Jessica Montevago

Manchester is a vibrant city, full of interesting architecture, unique museums, and a thriving sports culture. Its collection of attractions and easy access make it a perfect fit for every traveler, whether it’s book-ending a longer journey or a long weekend away. Let the city take your clients by surprise.

For the Art Connoisseur
After a three-year closure, the Manchester Museum reopened earlier this year following a £15 million transformation. The museum now houses a new two-story extension, exhibition hall, South Asia Gallery, and Chinese Culture Gallery.

The Manchester Art Gallery opened its first designated Fashion Gallery, nodding to the city’s history as a textile giant, and presently as home to many UK fashion brands. It’s also home to works that go back to the pre-Raphaelite period as well as works by famous local artists like Lowry.

For the Family
The Science and Industry Museum showcases the pivotal role Manchester played in the Industrial Revolution across five interactive exhibition areas. The collection chronicles the city’s best-known breakthroughs and inventions, including everything from a replica steam locomotive to “Baby,” the world’s first stored-program computer and arguably the very start of modern computing. The museum’s Treasure Hunter app, complete with games and activities, is guaranteed to keep kids entertained.

Manchester United Stadium | MERCURY studio - stock.adobe.com

For the Sports Fanatic
Of course, Manchester is synonymous with soccer – or football if you’re a local – and is home to two teams Manchester City and Manchester United. Visitors can learn more about both clubs at The National Football Museum. Those already with a team allegiance can visit the respective stadiums, Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium and Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium for a behind the scenes tour (on non-game days). 

For the Foodie
Manchester has a thriving restaurant scene. Some of the city’s best restaurants can be found in the hippest neighborhood and creative hub, the Northern Quarter. The Northern Quarter’s equally cool neighbor, Ancoats, has buzzy new eateries, as well as lively music venues. Foodie’s also have to make a stop in Altrincham market for tasty treats and Chinatown for delectable dim sum and ramen.

For the Nature Lover
Venture outside the city center for vistas of rolling hills and waterways. Greater Manchester has over 500 square miles of countryside, lined with trails perfect for picturesque strolls or bike rides.

John Rylands Library

For the Book Worm
The John Rylands Research Institute and Library is dedicated to its namesake, a cotton merchant who was instrumental in Manchester’s early development. Inside is a stunning display of Gothic architecture, with wood-paneled reading rooms, sweeping stone staircases, and glass cases that are filled with collections of rare books.

Where to Stay
The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is housed in a dramatic Edwardian building dating back to 1890. For a luxurious stay, select suites offer separate sitting and living areas, four-poster beds, and vintage details. For a night of elegant dining, Refuge by Volta serves international small plates. Guests can also enjoy a coffee or a cocktail at the Public Bar, or visit the Den for a game of foosball and snacks.

Converted from a 19^th century warehouse to 4-star hotel, the Marriott Manchester Victoria & Albert Hotel offers an ideal city center location. The family-friendly property has a gym, casual dining spot, and access to an off-site indoor swimming pool and spa.

The Trafford Hall Hotel Manchester, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, is top choice for clients who prefer a quieter, boutique experience. Located on the border between Manchester and Trafford, sports fanatics will love the hotel’s proximity to Old Trafford Football and Cricket Stadium. The renovated Victorian hotel offers a range of room sizes from standard double and twin rooms through to triple and family suites, as well as on-site restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

A pioneer in the industrial revolution, Manchester has transformed itself yet again. It honors the past with untouched architecture and museums; simultaneously, it’s become a vibrant metropolitan with a vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene.

Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.

Banner photo: Countryside near Manchester