Last week we talked all about what you can expect at the NFDA Convention 2015, and now we want to dive into all the fun that you can experience while visiting
FOOD
While visiting a new place you always ask yourself, “where to eat?” Look no further and devour this list of the Top 25 Local Restaurants provided by the visitindy.com. Restaurants like Milktooth and Bluebeard are drawing national attention to Indy’s food scene. Try the world famous and ultra-spicy shrimp cocktail at St. Elmo Steak House, recognized as an ‘American Classic’ by the James Beard Foundation. Or, treat yourself to a towering Reuben at Shapiro’s, which USA Today called one of America’s greatest delis.
If you want something unique and quick, take a look at all the different food trucks in town!
EXPLORE
Explore the city and take a stroll to a variety of monuments and memorials rivaled only by Washington DC. Be sure to get a photo at Monument Circle, the physical and spiritual heart of the city. Or get off your feet and hop on a Pacers Bikeshare bike and ride the Indianapolis Cultural Trail to Mass Ave, a progressive neighborhood also known as the Theater District, or Fountain Square, with its retro vibe and live music venues.
The Canal and White River State Park
Step outside and discover an easy walk to White River State Park with 250-acres of greenspace, the scenic Central Canal. Whether it’s a relaxing stroll, vigorous run, afternoon at the ballpark, interacting with dolphins, discovering Indiana history, exploring Native American art, learning about Lincoln or enjoying an outdoor concert, the Canal and White River State Park has surprises for everyone. This is not your typical park or waterway. Discovery runs through it. Scattered throughout the Canal and 250-acre White River State Park are some of the city’s most inspiring museums, attractions and celebrations. We would recommend renting a bike, surrey, chopper, scooter, or even a pedal boat or kayak to explore this amazing park. They even have gondola rides!
Indianapolis Zoo
Walk with the flamingos, go face-to-face with a tiger, touch a shark – the unique animal encounters available for everyone make the Indianapolis Zoo a must on your Indianapolis list. With five different animal habitat biomes to explore, guests will enjoy their visit year round, no matter what the weather is like outside. The Zoo even has the world’s largest Orangutan Center!
Museums & Experience Centers
Indianapolis is the home to several amazing museums. They are even home to the largest children’s museum in the world! The Indianapolis Museum of Art, Rhythm! Discovery Center, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, and Conner Prairie Interactive History Park are just a few top ones on the list!
SPORT
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
As a city that built its reputation on sports both amateur and professional, Indianapolis is the host of the world’s largest single-day sporting event (the Indianapolis 500). Take an IndyCar, pace car, or shuttle tour around the iconic 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway that welcomes 300,000 visitors each May, the Indy 500, is the ultimate family experience. Inside the oval is the Hall of Fame Museum, housing memorabilia, trophies and winning cars from the past century of open-wheel racing that will have your kids itching for a Matchbox car upgrade.
Dallara IndyCar Factory
Satisfy all of your racing dreams behind the wheel of the racing simulators, experience the thrill of riding in a street-legal IndyCar two-seater with a professional driver, or take a factory tour where you’ll watch skilled technicians handcraft the Dallara IndyCar chassis.
NCAA Hall of Champions
The national headquarters of the NCAA and collegiate athletics is housed on the campus of White River State Park. The Hall of Champions explores the heart and dedication it takes to be a student-athlete in all 23 collegiate sports. The whole family can attempt a downhill skiing simulator, test their knowledge at sport-specific trivia, or shoot hoops in a 1930s-style gymnasium.
Golf
Indianapolis is filled with fabulous golf courses that offer a variety of experiences. Those of you attending the Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic will have an opportunity to enjoy Brickyard Crossing – a championship course built near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Check out the golf courses in the area HERE.
See you there!
There really is something for everyone in Indianapolis! HERE is a great guide to work your way around downtown and to different attractions in the city! We also recommend checking out the NFDA convention page on the Visit Indy website where they will be offering special deals and discounts for those in attendance.
Make sure you stop by the Security National Life Insurance Booth #1500 and say hello! We will be offering fun entertainment and opportunities to win some prizes!
