After posting photos on Instagram, I was asked what I was doing in Indianapolis. Much to people’s surprise, I actually have family that lives there. Indiana doesn’t seem like a destination you would normally find me in. In the past, I would come and leave as quickly as possible, usually as a side trip from Chicago to see my dentist cousin.

I always had this vision of Indiana only being about sports – Pacers, Hoosiers, Colts, and race cars. This time, I was determined to find some interesting things to do after getting my teeth fixed. While I was there for a bit longer than a day, I made this ideal 24-hour itinerary. It’s perfect if you have a short trip or are passing through Indianapolis.

Now for my Indianapolis recommendations:

Breakfast/Brunch

My younger cousin Nadie and I wanted breakfast so she took me to Petit Chou Bistro for some brunch. The food here is French inspired and they serve dishes like omelets, tartines, crepes, and champagne. Yum!!!

Yummy omelet and frites

Things To Do

Canal Walk 

After breakfast, Nadie took me to the Canal Walk since it was such a nice sunny day. She had to go to a class so she dropped me off and I wandered on my own.  The Canal Walk is a bike and pedestrian path that connects different neighborhoods to museums and other entertainment amenities. Along the walk, they’ll often feature art by different artists.

 Mural by artist Hector Duarte

IMA – Indianapolis Museum of Art

The IMA or Indianapolis Museum of Art surprised me. We were driving in from the airport and I noticed a sign for the Ai Weiwei exhibit (in 2013). I was surprised that a museum like this existed in Indianapolis.

Want to see more about the museum? I wrote a post here.

The IMA

Booking.com

Coffee

Of course, I need a jolt of coffee midday. At the time Nadie worked at a great coffee shop called Hubbard and Cravens. She made me an awesome latte.

Latte made with love by Nadie

Dinner & Drinks

Black Market

I did a bit of research and tried to look for a place to eat. While driving around Indy, I would always just see well-known chain restaurants. I came across Black Market in my research so I made Nadie come along with me. It’s a relaxed farm to table restaurant with a great menu and cocktail list. I remember ordering their bone marrow, some dessert, and rum (Flor de Cana).

Inside Black Market

Bone marrow

Brickle!!! OMG

I met up with some of my other cousins in an area called Broadripple for drinks. We bounced to a few bars and pubs in the area. It’s a bit of a college/young vibe. I don’t have any photos from there but it was a grand old-time with the family. If you want more of a chill drink vibe, stay at Black Market. They have an excellent liquor list.

So those were the highlights of my time in Indianapolis. I compiled everything into having a perfect time for someone who loves good food and drink and a bit of culture! I love being pleasantly surprised when I travel and Indianapolis has definitely changed over the years. It’s not all sports teams and race cars folks!

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Ever been to Indianapolis? Share your insight in the comments!