The reason I like Indianapolis more than any other "mid-major" city in America is that it is first and formost a sports town. The capital city of Indiana hosts the Indianapolis 500 in May, the largest single day sporting event in the country. In addition to having the best single day sporting event, the town is all home to the best team in the best sport, the Indianapolis Colts of the NFL. The town is painted blue every Sunday during football season. Over the last 12 years, this basketball hotbed has turned into a football town. Indy is home to mid-major college programs such as Butler and IUPUI and also professional teams like the NBA's Pacers, IHL's Ice and the minor league Indians. In addition to hosting the Big Ten Tournament on a yearly basis, Indianapolis is on a six-year rotation to host the NCAA Final Four. In 2012, Lucas Oil Stadium, the Colts' new home field, will be home to Super Bowl XLVI.
Much of the time, Indianapolis' tourism is sports-based. I made my 20th visit to the city last weekend to see the Illini play in the Big Ten Tournament. Unlike the previous 19 trips to the city, I wanted to make an attempt to see what the city had to offer outside of sports.
Following the Illini's impressive win over Wisconsin, my father and I walked over to the Indiana Convention Center and then over to the Canal Walk.
The canal walk is not far from downtown and convenient for anyone who would like to get a quick view of the museums, public art and historic landmarks. It reminded me of the Amstel Light commercial where scenes from Amsterdam were used as background shots. It was so quiet, you would never know you were near the downtown area of a major U.S. city.
One of the spots on the walk I wanted to hit was the USS Indianapolis memorial. The USS Indianapolis was the final United States ship to be sunk during World War II. It's not as big as I thought it would be, tucked away in a corner next to the canal. But I liked it, it provides information on the ship and is a good tribute to one of the final events of the War. Any history buff that visits Indianapolis should definitely make a trip there.
No big city in the midwest is better for a family visit. I had a chance to visit the nation's only accredited combined zoo, aquarium and botanical garden Saturday morning. Although the animal viewing experience would be a lot better in the summer, I enjoyed my visit. THey have a fun Dolphin show to attend in the Dolphin Dome. Sea creatures, bears, flamingos, elephants, giraffes. A lot of things to see at the zoo and they aren't far from each other either.
Families also enjoy the Indianapolis Children's Museum, the largest in the world.
The most recognizeable Indianapolis landmark is the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Monument Circle. This monument is not much smaller than the Statue of Liberty and has stood as Indiana's centerpiece since 1902. The town is also fun for church lovers, with a number of tall structures not far from the Circle.
While New York and Chicago are known for their junk food like hot dogs and pizza, Indianapolis is known for a classier food, their steaks. If you are looking for a fancy, expensive dining experience, you will have plenty to choose from in downtown Indianapolis. One day I will have to set aside some extra money to dine at St. Elmo's Steakhouse on Meridian Street. Some have said that is the best place for a steak in the country.
New York is the city that never sleeps. Conversely, Indianapolis is known as "nap town." It is often quiet downtown, but there is plenty to look at and do at the right hour. The best part of the town is its big city feel with the friendliness of a small town.
Photo: The USS Indianapolis memorial sits alongside the Central Canal in Indianapolis. It commemorates the people that died in 1945, when it became the last American ship to be sunk in World War II.
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