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.