30 Things to Do in Indy for Superbowl #30: Georgia Street

Georgia Street links the Indianapolis Convention Center and Bankers Life Fieldhouse.  Recently re-designed into a pedestrian friendly boulevard, it is the center of the Super Bowl Experience.

No trip to the Super Bowl would be complete without strolling with the tens of thousands of people who have come to downtown to experience the event.  Concerts, light shows, fireworks, ice sculpting, the NFL Fan Zone, NFL Experience, and of course the zip line. 

Its all there.  Don't miss it.

30 Things to do in Indy for Superbowl - No. 29: Indiana State Museum & IMAX

Located just a few steps from the NFL Experience, NFL Fan Zone & landmark JW Marriot Hotel is the Indiana State Museum and its IMAX Theater.

The museum is as notable for its building as it is the collections it contains.  Walk around the exterior and you will see custom limestone stones carved with images for each of Indiana's 92 counties.  It's a great place to take a brake from the hustle and hassle of the crowds invading downtown Indianapolis.

Playing at the IMAX during Super Bowl week:  Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol;  Shackleford's Anarctic Adventure, Born to be Wild and Rescue 3D.

30 Things to do in Indy for Superbowl - No. 28: Bazbeaux's Pizza

At sometime during your visit to Indianapolis, you 'll crave a pizza.  Why not get the best.

Bazbeaux's Pizza is the best.  Served on thin crust, you can order traditional toppings, sauceless pizzas, or the New Orleans inspired spicy Tchoupitoulas.  But don't overlook the salads.  Bazbeaux's homemade creamy basil dressing is spectacular, and you can actually order a Niciouse Salad if you choose.

Bazbeaux's has three locations.  Downtown, Bazbeaux's is in a new building on Mass Ave across the street from its old location.  The original location is still serving up pizzas on the canal in Broad Ripple, and a third location is in Carmel.

30 Things to Do in Indy for Superbowl #27: Indianapolis Museum of Art

Indianapolis Museum of Art , located on 152 acres along the White River, is one of the most beautiful settings of any museum in the nation.  Just a short drive northwest of downtown, it is a great place to re-charge your batteries from the hectic activities connected with the Super Bowl.

30 Things to Do in Indy for Superbowl #26: Fountain Square

Located just a few blocks southeast of downtown, historic Fountain Square is Indy's latest hot spot.  Great restaurants, watering holes, music, shops, and even duck pin bowling, all housed in quaint buildings from the early years of the last century.

30 Things to Do in Indy for Superbowl #25: Hinkle Fieldhouse

Hinkle Fieldhouse, home of the Ciderella Butler Bulldogs, twice NCAA runner up, is a Hoosier icon, and basketball heaven is watching an afternoon game at Hinkle, the court bathed in light shining through huge windows.  And fortunately for Super Bowl fans, they can catch a noon game on the Saturday before the Super Bowl.

Of all the places ever built to watch and play basketball, this 1920s fieldhouse is the best.  Not only  was it the fieldhouse used for the championship game in the movie Hoosiers, it was the site of the actual game that inspired the movie, the 1954 Indiana High School Championship game between the mighty 4-time state champion Muncie Bearcats and the tiny Milan Redskins. 

The fieldhouse is named for basketball legend Tony Hinkle, who coached Butler for more than 50 years.  Hinkle started the tradition now known as the Butler way -- a small school that has always given big schools a battle on the basketball court.

The Bulldogs have two home games during Super Bowl week -- Thursday night at 7 pm against Wright State and Saturday at noon against Detroit University.

WELCOME TO INDY SUPER BOWL FANS!

This is the Spirit of Indianapolis -- Still racing capital of the world.

30 Things to Do in Indy for Superbowl #24: Ike & Jonesy's

With an iconic image of Marilyn Monroe holding court,  Ike & Jonesy's  has been  hosting party-going Hoosiers with rock 'n roll and cold beer.  This landmark bar was the first hot spot on South Meridian Street -- and a quarter century later, its still going strong.

Nothing fancy here.  Tile floors, formica tables and a crowded dance floor.  And a lot of fun.

30 Things to do in Indy for Superbowl - No. 23: NCAA Hall of Champions

NCAA Hall of Champions , is a part of the NCAA's headquarters, located just a few steps from the NFL Fan Zone alone the Canal Walk.  It honors collegiate champions from all sports.  Worth a visit.

30 Things to do in Indy for Superbowl - No. 22: Canterbury Hotel

The Canterbury Hotel - this small upscale hotel plays hosts to some of Indy's top visitors.  It's bar is one of Indy's best places for people watching .

And then there's the Canterbury's most infamous room -- Room 606.  Hotel employees won't say anything, but  this is the suite where Mike Tyson raped beauty contestant Desiree Washington in 1991, earning Iron Mike several years behind bars in an Indiana prison.

30 Things to do in Indy for Superbowl - No. 21: Duck Pin Bowling !

Duck Pin Bowling in Fountain Square.

Bored? Want to do something different?  With your friends?  Check out Duck Pin Bowling at the Action and Atomic Duck Pin Bowling in the Theater Building on Fountain Square.  The pins are short squat little guys.  If painted yellow they might look like rubber ducks.

The little balls fit  in the palm of your hand (no snickering)

Guaranteed to be a blast. 

30 Things to do in Indy for Superbowl - No. 20: Mass Av

Massachusettes Avenue a/k/a MASS AV, is a diagonal street heading northeast from downtown.

A decade or so ago, it was an assortment of ragtag buildings with a couple of storefronts.  But now its the hottest spot in Indy.  An eclectic grouping of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, .comedy clubs, the Mass Av Toy Store full of throw-back toys, and the way-cool Silver in the City store which just has . . . well . . . a bunch of really cool stuff.

No trip to Indy is complete without a stroll down the Av.  -- Oh, and say "hi" to Sally, the iconic swaying electronic woman at the point of Mass Ave, Vermont & Alabama Streets -- right outside The Point Tavern.

Key places to hit:  McNivens Scottish Pub, Bazbeaux's Pizza, Stouts Shoes Shoes (go in and say "hi" to the bird); Mass Av. Toy Store, best Starbucks in the city; Silver in the City, The Chatterbox, Chattam Pub, The Bistro, Aesops Table, Yats, Comedy Sports, 45 Degrees Martini Bar & Suishi, and a whole host of other bars, eateries, shops and galleries

Sally wiggles her greeting at the entryway to Mass Av

30 Things to Do in Indy for Superbowl #19: TURF Artists Display

Need a moment away from nothing but football, music and partying?  Check out TURF - a temporary display of Indiana Artists just for the Super Bowl.

Housed in the magnificent building that formerly housed the Indiana State Museum, this exhibit will entertain, perplex, and maybe even inspire. 

30 Things to Do in Indy for Superbowl #18: Nicky Blaines Cigar Bar

The time honored tradition of a martini and a good cigar still lives on at Nicky Blaines Cigar Bar   Located in a cozy basement setting a half-block off the circle, it is a business that non-smoking ordinances make impossible in many cities.

So if you want to take a trip back to the time of Mad Men, and follow up that big steak at St. Elmo's with a big stogie and a top shelf martini, you can still do it at Nicki Blaines.

30 Things to do in Indy for Superbowl - No. 17: White Castle

White Castle - home of those little square burgers, steamed with onions.  At 3 am, after a night on the town, a bag of sliders just seems like the perfect thing.

People who have been exposed to White Castle, then moved to other parts of the country, go to extremes to find ways to hijack these little morsels of goodness back to their home territory.   While in town for the Super Bowl, find out why.

White Castle has locations all over town, but for the Super Bowl crowd, there is one conveniently located walking distance from the NFL Experience and NFL Fan Zone at the corner of South and Illinois Streets. Open 24 hours.

30 Things to Do in Indy for Superbowl #16: St.Elmo's Steakhouse

Since 1902,  St. Elmo's  Steakhouse  has been THE PLACE for steaks in Indianapolis. 

Old dark wood walls are covered with photos of more than a century of the famous and infamous who have dined at St. Elmo's.  Huge tender steaks,  the world's best shrimp cocktail, and a martini or two are menu mainstays - as they have been for more than a century.  And as it has been for more than a century, meals are served by a wait-staff in traditional tuxedos.

Ruth Chris, Mortons, and Mo's are all great places.  But there is only one St. Elmo's.  Don't miss it.

30 Things to Do in Indy for Superbowl #15: FastTimes GoKarting

Looking for a signature experience -- one that goes to the heart of being in Indianapolis?

Fasttimes GoKarting may be just the ticket.  Located on Indy's northside, this isn't your little putt-around go-kart fun track.  These are real racing go-karts, with a few modifications for safety.

But make no mistake - this is a real racing experience around a 2-level track.  Helmets & gloves required  (provided with rental).  And between the adrenaline rush and the exertion, you will be out of breath by the time you take the checkered flag.

Stars Fall -- Now on Apple Ibooks / Itunes

My novel, Stars Fall, is now available on Apple's Ibook store.  It can be purchased through Itunes.

30 Things to do in Indy for Superbowl #15: Canal Walk.

The Canal Walk is almost hidden as it meanders along the west side of downtown Indianapolis.

Its a peaceful place to take a stroll, connecting the White River State Park, NCAA Hall of Champions, Indiana State Museum, Indiana Historical Society, Medal of Honor Memorial and USS Indianapolis Memorial. There are also some nice cafes on or near the Canal.

30 Things to Do in Indy for Superbowl #14: Rathskeller

The Rathskeller, located in the 19th Century Athenaeum, is a throwback to another time.  Schnitzels, sauerbraten, spaetzel, red cabbage, warn German potato salad  and potato pancakes served with apple sauce and sour cream -- all washed down with your choice of German beer.  food & beer in the 19th Century Athenaeum. Add music from some of the areas best local bands, and you have great time.

If you take a close look at some of the historical documents hanging on the walls, you will discover that the Athenaeum building was designed by Vonnegut & Bohm Architects -- a relative of Indianapolis native author Kurt Vonnegut's.  The building was originally named Das Deutsche Haus -- The German House.  But in the anti-German furor of WWI, the name was changed to the Athenaeum. 

30 Things to do In Indy for Superbowl #13: Local Microbreweries.

Indianapolis hosts two of the best microbreweries you will find any place: Sun King and Flat12 Bierwerks.

Some varieties are available at a few select taverns, but why not go to the source and taste them all. Both are located in small converted buildings just east of downtown and provide a wide variety of tasty beverages. My favorites: Sun King's Wee Mac and Flat12 Bierwerks Cow Tipper Bourbon Barrel Milk Stout.

Breweries just outside Indianapolis also produce a tasty variety that is available in many Indiana bars and restaurants.    Oaken Barrel, which has its own restaurant just off the Greenwood exit on I-65, produces the very popular Razz Wheat along with a full line of other beers.   Upland Brewery, located in Bloomington,makes some of the best IPAs you will find anyplace.  

So enjoy.

30 Things to Do In Indy For Superbowl #12: USS Indianapolis Memorial

30 Things to Do In Indy For Superbowl #12: USS Indianapolis Memorial.

Almost hidden away at the north end of the White River Canal Walk is the memorial to the men who served - and died - on the USS Indianapolis. Yes, THAT Indianapolis.  The one Quint recalls in the famous scene in Jaws. 

 The sacrifice of those men made the Superbowl possible.  So take a few minutes out to remember and honor their sacrifice -- and the sacrifice of all who served.
  
After delivering the atomic bomb to island of Tinian,  the USS Indianapolis was torpedoed and sank in minutes. The mission was so secret that no distress signals were sent. Of the 1100 crewmen, 880 men perished, most in the water, many to shark attacks.

Captain McVey became the scapegoat - the only commander of a ship sunk in WWII to be court marshaled for his purported failure to take evasive action -- "Failure to Zig Zag".  

30 Things to do in Indy for Superbowl #11: Eiteljorg Museum

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian & Western Art  is one of the nation's best collections of its kind.

Created from the private collection of Harrision Eiteljorg, this downtown museum has doubled in size since its inception in 1989.  It is housed in a spectacular southwestern style building just steps from the new landmark JW Marriot Hotel. 

The museum is easy to spot - just look for the giant bronze elk splashing through the Indy landscape headed toward Victory Field. Only steps away from the NFL Fan Zone and NFL Experience, it is a great place to take a break from the Superbowl crowds.

30 Things to do in Indy for Superbowl - No. 10: Broad Ripple

Broad Ripple  For decades, the home of Indy's night life and music scene.  There are other hot spots now, but the Village still ranks high for those wanting to have a good time


Dozens of eclectic little night spots -- bars, restaurants, coffee shops -- and just a place to stroll..

30 Things to do in Indy for Superbowl - No. 9: Edwards Drive In.

Edwards Drive In., located on Indy's east side at Sherman & Raymond.


No trip to Indiana is complete without a breaded tenderloin - and Edwards is a classic. Add the best onion rings on the planet & homemade root beer, plus maybe a glimpse of some vintage muscle cars in the parking lot, and its a can't miss experience.

30 Things To Do In Indy for Superbowl: No 8: Marion County Public Library -- Really!

Indianapolis / Marion County Central Public Library --  So you're in town for the Superbowl.  Who would ever take time out to go to the library?   You, that's who!

The new main library is an oasis away from all the hub-bub of Superbowl activities. Located just a few blocks north of the NFL Fan Zone, its a wonderful place to spend an hour or two relaxing with a cup of coffee, and looking out on one of the best views of downtown Indianapolis.

It is a wonderful mixture of old and new.  The original Greek-style architecture has been maintained to blend in with nearby American Legion Mall, but a new steel and glass structure was incorporated into the old.  No longer is the library a somewhat stodgy array of stacks upon stacks of books.  Instead it is a beautiful open space, suitable for reading, or working on a computer, or just relaxing.

Check it out.  Really

30 Things To Do In Indy for Superbowl: No 7: Chatterbox!

Chatterbox  -- It ain't much to look at. Chairs creak. The old wooden floors squeak. Graffiti covered restroom with a latch on the door (if you're luck & the latch is there).

But this original Mass Av hot spot is so cool the Rolling Stones hung out there before a concert.  Great place for late-night jazz.

30 Things to Do In Indy for Superbowl No. 6: Zydeco's

Zydeco's

Hungry?  Want something that's definitely not Midwestern?  30 minutes southwest from downtown Indy is the best Cajun food north of Lake Pontchartrain.
 
Owners Carter and Deb Hutchinson have created a little Louisiana outpost right in the middle of the Hoosier state.  Music, food, and always a great time.   Bread, tasso & boudin all made by Carter on premises. Sazeracs, Hurricanes, Abita beer, gumbo & jambalaya to die for, voodoo chicken & blackened steak, and barbeque shrimp that are the best I've had outside of Pascale Manales. And you can even buy a bag of Zaps for the road.

30 Things to Do In Indy for Superbowl No. 5: Indianapolis Children's Museum.

Indianapolis Children's Museum.  World's largest & best children's museum.  But it is so much more than just a place for kids.   From the Chihuly stained glass tower, to dinosaurs crawing over the outside of the building, to taking a ride on the wonderfully restored turn-of-the-century carousel, it is a place of amazement and wonder for all.

30 Things to Do In Indy for Superbowl. No. 4: Slippery Noodle

 Slippery Noodle Inn. Indiana's oldest bar and Indy's home of the blues. Blues legend Yank Rachell, who made his home in Indianapolis, said "A man who don't like the blues got a hole in his soul."

You can feed your soul with some great blues -- and some pretty good food -- at the Slippery Noodle.  But be aware - this popular spot has been leased out for several private parties for Superbowl week.

30 Things to Do In Indy for Superbowl. No. 3: Shapiro's Deli

 Shapiro's Deli.  Best deli west of the Hudson River. Cornbeef, pastrami, matzo ball soup, stuffed peppers, creamed herring, baked chicken, mac & cheese  - and a lineup of deserts that are to die for.

Make mine pastrami on rye with spicy mustard,  a side of potato pancake with apple sauce -- and world's best strawberry cheesecake for desert.