What do you love about where you live?
I was prompted with this question today. Coincidentally, I’ll be leaving my city in the coming days for a work trip. As I prepare to travel to New York City for an upcoming conference, I can’t avoid thinking about all the cool touristy things I want to do while I’m there.
Ironically, I also recently learned that an upcoming conference will be held in my city in the near future. Now there’s not a lot about Indianapolis that seems appealing to most people. It’s in the heart of “flyover” country. It doesn’t have the attraction that Chicago or Nashville has. If you ask a local what Indy is known for, you’re likely to get a response that includes potholes, road closings, never-ending construction, or the Colts/Pacers.
Here’s the thing though. Indy is the fifteenth biggest city in the country. It has a lot to offer if you look at it through the lens of somebody that doesn’t live here. While it’s easy to overlook what makes your home special, I started thinking about what my city has to offer, and it turns out there’s actually quite a bit. We have the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in the center of the city with an observation deck that is only about 15 feet shorter than theStatue of Liberty. If a casual stroll is your type of thing, there’s the canal that also offers pedal cart and pedal boat rentals. While you’re there, you can check out the Indiana State Museum, the Eiteljorg Museum, or the NCAA Headquarters. Additionally, there are trendy walkable neighborhoods like Broadripple, Mass Ave, and Fountain Square. If you’re a military or history buff, Indy is only second to Washington D.C. in the U.S. in number of monuments. While you’re at it, throw in the Indiana War Memorial Museum for good measure. Like things a little more fast paced? We have the freaking Indianapolis Motor Speedway – home of the greatest spectacle in racing, for crying out loud! If you have kids or are just a kid at heart, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the best in the country. Seriously. Or if you like things a little quieter, and prefer to lose yourself in a literary world, then it’s worth noting that Indy is the hometown of Kurt Vonnegut. We also have the GORGEOUS Central Library worth scoping out. I won’t even get into the dining options; from fine dining, food halls, or any type of casual restaurant you could ask for. Throw in the entertainment aspect of multiple concert venues, theaters, and sporting options such as the Colts, Pacers, Indians, Fuel, and Indy Eleven. Turns out Indy has quite a bit to offer.
The message here is that home is what you make it. Most places have a lot to offer if you think about it. Indy certainly does. And I’m excited to show it off when this conference comes to town.
If there’s a highlight I missed, or if you’re looking for food recommendations, leave your comments below!
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