Image courtesy of Bottleworks Hotel
Indianapolis is a sports-lover’s dream. The state capital hosts the annual Indy 500, many a Big Ten Championship game, NFL games (go Colts) and NBA games (go Pacers and Fever). Plus, it’s home to the National Collegiate Athletics Association. But there’s more to this city than sports. It’s a popular spot for conferences and events of all genres, and boasts a friendly energy and thriving gastronomic scene.
Here’s what to know about Indianapolis, courtesy of Indy-based Fora Advisor Bijoy Shah and Fora’s Co-Founder Henley Vazquez.
Ready to travel? Reach out to Bijoy to plan and book your Indy getaway (sports-focused or otherwise).
Where to stay in Indianapolis
Image courtesy of Conrad Indianapolis
The 90-room Hotel Indy opened in 2021, the downtown’s first boutique hotel. The hip rooftop bar and walkability to all the city’s sports arenas and restaurants keep the buzz going, Bijoy said. Book one of the rooms with double-height industry-style ceilings, he advises.
“While the architecture of the 1960s office building construction may not look so inspiring on the outside, the inside is nothing short (pun intended) of cool,” Bijoy said.
The historic and stylish Bottleworks Hotel, in Indianapolis’ Bottleworks District, seamlessly blends history and modern fashion. It’s located near some of the city’s most diverse options for eateries and many great nightlife spots, and is a great place for the trendy, luxury hotel lover.
“The on-property bar is quite good for every occasion that calls for a well-crafted drink,” he added.
Other solid options include the JW Marriott Indianapolis, which sits adjacent to the NCAA headquarters and is a "shining pillar of glass that changed the skyline of the city," as well as the Omni Severin Hotel, a historic spot in a privileged location. Nestle Inn is a small and cozy bed-and-breakfast in the heart of one of Indy’s liveliest cultural districts. In a non-traditional way, Bijoy notes, they buy your included breakfast from a local eatery.
Other hotels to know are the art-obsessed Conrad Indianapolis (peruse work from Warhol, Picasso, Dali and others), in the heart of downtown, and The Westin, steps away from some of Indy’s most popular shopping, dining and sightseeing.
Fora Perks at Conrad Indianapolis:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily for two and an upgrade whenever possible.
Where to eat in Indianapolis
Gallery Bistro & Bar offers the best of both worlds: healthier salads, sandwiches and bowls for lunch, as well as a pastry bar and bubbles for a sweet fix.
Milktooth is an inventive, well-executed breakfast / brunch spot in a trendy neighborhood. The Dutch Babies on the menu are always outstanding.
For fried chicken accompanied by live sports broadcasts, head to The Eagle, a casual but always busy spot worth reserving ahead of time. “The succotash will bring a smile to your face, too,” Bijoy said.
For an inventive breakfast and lunch spot that never skimps and always satisfies, Bijoy recommends Love Handle. “They once named a sandwich after me, so I love them a ton,” he added.
Kountry Kitchen is a fun local soul food spot that has been visited by the likes of Barack Obama, Mike Epps, Katt Willimas and Jimmy Fallon. Shaquille O’Neal recently called the restaurant “the best soul food spot ever.”
For something higher-end, head to Beholder, Bijoy advised, which offers a creative, ever-rotating menu that is sure to please.
Bluebeard serves elevated, creative cuisine (kimchi bolognese, French fried and caviar) that often exceeds expectations. Many esteemed publications have recommended the gem; Thrillist said that if you’re to have one meal in Indianapolis, it should be here. Even better, Bijoy said that if the weather is nice, the patio is a real delight, adding how it’s also an incredible date spot.
Prime 47 is great for classic steakhouse vibes, and is especially wonderful when the pianist is there.
He also loves The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers — he describes it as magical. The shop evokes the chic refinery of a French storybook. A third location is slated to open on Disney’s BoardWalk at Walt Disney World Resort later this year.
As for where to drink, The Exchange comes highly recommended. “It’s a notable watering hole with a whiskey list in the hundreds,” Bijoy said, adding how its setting within a historic building “adds a ton of charm.”
Ready to travel? Reach out to Bijoy to plan and book your Indy getaway (sports-focused or otherwise) today.
