Indianapolis may not be Chicago, but it should not be overlooked or flown over. Indianapolis has become a vibrant city because of individuals sharing their passions, including food, fitness, culture, history, and entertainment. People from the Midwest, and Hoosiers in particular, are hard workers. Nothing is given to us, but earned. These passions are driven by the hard work mentality instilled in us at a young age. This mentality has led Indianapolis to becoming a spot for foodies; a place where a blog turns into a business; where someone opens their own independent gym after working at a nationally recognized one. Indianapolis deserves more than 36 hours of visitors’ time, but that’s okay, because I know they’ll be back to spend more time discovering my city.
FRIDAY
3 p.m. An instrument that brings people into their karass is called a “kan-kan”
Watch a film at Indianapolis’ only nonprofit arthouse cinema, Kan-Kan Cinema and Brasserie, located in the Windsor Park neighborhood. The name was inspired by the term “karass,” a group of people linked in a cosmically significant way, from Kurt Vonnegut’s book, Cat’s Cradle. Depending on what’s currently showing, you could have the opportunity to watch a film from the late French New-Wave era, La Pisicine (1969). Or you might watch Oscar-nominated films such as Anatomie d'une chute (Anatomy of a Fall, 2023) and The Zone of Interest, both starring Sandra Hüller. Afterward, you could stop by the bar with a rotating cocktail menu for an apéro to discuss the film. The bartenders usually have opinions on what’s currently showing, too!
6 p.m. Apéro
Head from Indianapolis’ near eastside to the near westside for some beers at the microbrewery, Guggman Haus Brewing Co. The choices are limitless, from pilsners to sours to IPAs to stouts. My favorite way to enjoy Guggman’s Riverside New England IPA is sitting outside on their patio with a side of fries and garlic aioli from the kitchen.
8 p.m. Elevated Mexican food
Consistently named in Indianapolis Monthly’s Top 10 Best Restaurant each year, Festiva is a must. Festiva describes itself as elevated Mexican cuisine. I would agree with that description. Take, for example, the menu special arroz a la tumbada, Mexican-style paella with rice stewed with shrimp, mussels, white fish, and octopus. It reminded me of the first time I had a seafood paella abroad a couple of years ago at a little restaurant near the beach. First, I learned that mussels are meant to be eaten with your hands. But also, how the salt, acid, and heat marry together to make the rice not be overshadowed by the seafood.
SATURDAY
9 a.m. Flex your best assets
Begin your morning at Indianapolis’ only shipping container gym, Glutes 317. Marla Rubalcava, the gym’s owner, or one of her trainers will lead the group through a 45-minute class that focuses on a full-body, glute-focused program. Each person has their own equipment and plenty of space in one of the 10 shipping containers. Marla and her team bring the energy and motivation for you to be, literally, your strongest self. I previously wrote about Glutes 317 trainer Kailey Zárate. You can read more about her here.
Video courtesy of Kailey Zárate.
12 p.m. Best restaurant in the world according to Conde Nast Traveler
Experiencing Chef Jonathon Brooks genius at Milktooth, a restaurant that assisted in propelling Indianapolis as a food destination, should not be missed. No wrong decision can be made from the rotating menu of latke to carrot cake waffles to savory Dutch baby pancakes at this Fountain Fletcher neighborhood restaurant. Chef Brooks is proud to support Indiana-sourced foods, including the farms, proprietors, and distributors who help get the finished product, your dish(es), to your table. Arrive early, as reservations are not accepted; the line is worth the wait.
3 p.m. Indiana history that isn’t in the textbooks
Sampson Levingston began Through2Eyes as a blog that morphed into historical tours throughout Indianapolis and its surrounding suburbs. Experience Indianapolis’ history through one of Levingston’s Walk & Talk tours: walk its streets through tours like Indiana Avenue, Historic Irvington, and Fountain Fletcher. Sampson captivates the audience by integrating his storytelling skills with pictures and maps from the past to show how they intersect with the present.
7 p.m. Bluebeard – the restaurant, not the book
Any list regarding Indianapolis’ restaurant scene will include Bluebeard, and for good reason. In my opinion, it is simply the best. Bluebeard is the older sibling to KanKan. Located in Fountain Fletcher, it serves contemporary American cuisine. For over a decade, the head chef of Bluebeard was James Beard-nominated Chef Abbi Merriss, who trained and inspired the cooks under her to develop their own dishes for the menu. In the last year, Youssef Boudarine has elevated Bluebeard’s dessert menu with mouthwatering pastries such as corn bread blanc-manger mousse shaped and decorated as a half peeled ear of corn. The best way to enjoy Bluebeard is by ordering a variety of dishes to share among the table, followed by a discussion on which dish is the best. (Psssst. It’s the spaghetti.)
10 p.m. Hop on down to a show
Experience the quirkiness of the Fountain Fletcher neighborhood with live entertainment at the White Rabbit Cabaret (WRC). WRC creates an environment where the weirdly elegant thrive and flourish1 in skits like its Burlesque Bingo Bingo Show, a version of bingo with an attitude that falls somewhere between after grade school and senior living that makes you competitive to win one of the WRC’s obscure bingo prizes.
SUNDAY
9 a.m. Come for the eggy sandwich (and coffee)
Amberson’s Coffee and Grocer is known for its quality coffee along with its eggy sandwich. Seriously, this eggy sandwich can be considered a legend in Indianapolis. I think it’s the buttered brioche that holds together the eggs, tomato, avocado, and aioli that puts it above other egg sandwiches. For all the hype the eggy sandwich receives, it does not outshine Amberson’s stellar coffee program. Owner Hugo Cano and his team of baristas have competed in coffee competitions across the United States, and have earned first place in US AeroPress in 2021, US Brewer’s Cup Top 10 in 2023 and 2024, and US Barista Top 10 in 2024. It shouldn’t be a surprised that Amberson was named Best Coffee in Indiana (2022) in Food and Wine magazine. How unique is Amberson’s specialty coffee? Well, have you had an opportunity to try beans from Yemen? Amberson may have opened only in June 2020, but it was Hugo’s insistence on quality of coffee and coffee experience that allowed it to survive the tumultuous period for the service industry during COVID-19.
11 a.m. A place for nature and the arts
You don’t have to leave Indianapolis to feel like you’ve stepped into the French countryside. Just walk toward the Lilly House at Newfields. The original owners of Lilly House were inspired by French châteaux and also wanted the exterior gardens to match the interior’s grandeur. After strolling through the Lilly House and gardens, wander through the curated exhibits inside Newfields. Newfields showcases not only iconic pieces of art, like Robert Indiana’s Love, but also Indianapolis-based artists, as in past exhibits like We. The Culture: Works by the Eighteen Art Collective. This exhibit showcased artwork that would not have normally been displayed in a high-profile museum outside of Butter, the annual weekend event of fine art fair sponsored by GANGGANG, a cultural development and social justice organization.
Fin.