Indianapolis is one of my favorite getaway cities… After four years of being away it was time to get back!
We jumped in the car and drove a fast 1.5 hours to Indy. We had so much to do in just a few days, so the first stop was the Alexander, A Dolce Hotel, to drop off luggage. The hotel has a $3 million collection of curated and commissioned art from local to international artists.
The hotel is located on the 99th plat of the city, which inspired the bar name, Plat 99. The bar was designed by Jorge Pardo, a Cuban-American artist and sculptor.
It is absolutely my favorite hotel.
Off to see the city!
First stop at Newfields… The Indianapolis Museum of Art, which has grown to become an internationally renowned museum. They’ve definitely turned their attention toward increasing emphasis on combining art with nature.
The galleries are surrounded by gardens, water features, over a hundred acres of woodland filled with surprise and beauty. The campus itself is ideal for performances, afternoon walks, kite-flying, cloud-gazing, memory-making, new-idea-having. There’s a mansion to stage unforgettable events, restaurants for relaxing, bars for microbrews and friendships. And…Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture! THE LUME at Newfields returns this May with a new featured artist, showcasing artwork across immersive floor-to-ceiling digital gallery spaces.
Time for wine! Solely Wine is a natural and low-intervention wine bar that opened in September 2024. it quickly has become a destination spot where the Monon Trail crosses 16th Street. It is women-owned. Great vibe for sure!
I need to pay homage to the fabulous restaurants we dined in…
Magdalena, located in the Fountain Square neighborhood, is a cocktail bar and restaurant that has a bit of New Orleans flair.
Magdalena is a new concept from Nick Detrich, co-founder of several of New Orleans’ finest cocktail destinations (Jewel of the South, Manolito, Cane & Table), and recognized by the James Beard Foundation, and the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. Detrich is joined in this project by Baylee Pruitt, formerly of Giant (Chicago) and Jaguar Sun (Miami). It was FABULOUS!
Bluebeard was a repeat for us….cool vibe with excellent food and drink! Named after Indianapolis native, Kurt Vonnegut’s book, Bluebeard. In 2012 it became a James Beard Award semi-finalist for Best New Restaurant in America. Superior Octopus. Killer dirty martini.
Commission Row stands out among steak restaurants in Downtown Indy by offering guests the highest quality steaks, raw bar, and seafood. Artfully curated, the menu is created as a culinary crossroad intended to delight the palate with each and every dish. The cuisine showcases seasonal ingredients along with an expertly paired wine and spirits menu. PERFECT for pre-Pacer games!
Mel’s Speakeasy…..After enjoying dinner at Commission Row, unwind with an after-dinner drink at the adjoining Mel’s Speakeasy. Mel’s offers a wide selection of wine, cocktails, and spirits in a cozy, intimate setting.
The Waygu Meatballs. A MUST…And… the dirty Martini, served with a sidecar. Trust me!
OK, we did attend a Pacers basketball game! It was Pacers vs Bucks, and I will forever remember the incredible shot by Haliburton of the Pacers to win the game. So fun!
Two nights and two days… Packed with Entertainment and amazing food.
Here are a few suggestions for the upcoming months….
• Indianapolis Cultural Trail is now 10-miles long, connecting to various downtown neighborhoods and providing the best way to explore Indy from the back of a bike seat.
• The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is celebrating its centennial with exciting new exhibits, includingMickey Mouse Clubhouse (curated in partnership with Disney before its Midwest tour), the Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design exhibition (featuring 60 original costumes), and a brand-new 110-foot Ferris wheel.
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Upgrades: The legendary IMS reopens April 2 following an $89 million renovation, introducing cutting-edge tech and immersive sensory experiences—allowing kids (and adults!) to experience the Indy 500 any day of the week.
• America’s Newest River City: A major waterway revitalization effort has transformed downtown Indy, including the opening of its first-ever livery, Frank’s Paddlesports Livery. Offering canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, this new waterway activation gives visitors a fresh way to explore the city. Over 4,000 people explored Indy via Frank’s last year, its first year in business.
Visit Indy…fabulous and fun!