Ever wondered where Danica Patrick gets her hair done after racing the Indy 500?
Did you know that Indianapolis is second only to Washington, DC, in the number of monuments dedicated to war veterans?
Well, what better way to find out all this and more than to ask the locals?
And since Peter is broadcasting his radio show this weekend from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, that’s exactly what we did.
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Danica Patrick, Race Car Driver
Okay, she’s not a local, but we wanted to find out where she likes to hang when she’s in town for the big event.
Surprise — in a city noted for its plentiful steakhouses, this speed racer has been spotted in some of Indianapolis’ top-end establishments, particularly St. Elmo’s Steakhouse. But don’t expect to see Patrick chowing down on Grade A filets—she’s more of a fish eater than anything else. Considered one of the best in the city, St. Elmo’s is known for its ginormous spicy shrimp cocktail and, of course, its juicy steaks. Even better, this Indianapolis institution (it’s been in the same downtown location since 1902) has one of the most extensive wine lists in the region. Ask for a tour of the wine cellar which holds a whopping 15,000 bottles. 317-635-0636, www.stelmos.com
Another favorite for choice cuts at slightly more affordable prices is Mo’s a Place for Steaks. Don’t fill up on bread instead, as you’ll want to start the evening with a cup of the creamy lobster bisque. After dinner, cigar aficionados can head to the lounge for a stogie and a glass of port. 317-624-0720, www.mosaplaceforsteaks.com
Turns out, Patrick doesn’t always drive at 200 mph. For a more leisurely driving experience, she recommends Eagle Creek Park, which has a network of scenic routes and paths. When you’re ready to get out of the car, the 4,000-acre park also boasts a marina, a reservoir, and the Earth Discovery Center. www.indy.gov
OK, so how does Patrick get those tresses so shiny? In part, it’s thanks to Meridian Design Group, a full-service hair salon on South Capitol Avenue. 317-237-5353
Listen to Peter’s interview with Danica Patrick here.
Amy Wimmer Schwarb, Executive Editor, Indianapolis Monthly Magazine
The Indianapolis Canal Walk stretches north from White River State Park. The project dates back to the early 19th century, when the Midwest was going through “canal fever,” after the success of the Erie Canal. After years of financial roadblocks, the path now runs past lush landscapes and cultural districts, and is a local favorite for strolling, biking and even pedal boating along the canal. www.discovercanal.com
Indianapolis features six designated cultural districts, including Massachusetts Avenue (locally known as “Mass Ave”). This funky strip runs through downtown and features plenty of eclectic shops, nightlife and public art installations. Mass Ave also plays a prominent role in the city’s First Friday, inviting locals and visitors to visit more than 25 downtown galleries, studios and other artistic spaces on the first Friday of every month. www.discovermassave.com
Traders Point Creamery is much more than just a dairy farm. This family-run artisan creamery is an entire experience for visitors and locals alike.
Located just outside of the city in Zionsville, Traders Point offers guided and self-guided tours, a Friday evening Green Market that runs from May through October, and a restaurant that relies on seasonal and organic ingredients. Don’t miss a visit to the dairy bar for organic ice cream, or drinkable yogurt that was voted number one by the American Cheese Society for two years running. 317-733-1700, www.tpforganics.com
Want to know what Mario Andretti and Florence Henderson think about the Indy 500? Click here to find out what sports legends and celebrities have to say about the world’s largest single-day sporting event.
Amy Lamb, Indiana Historical Society
Although much of the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center is currently closed for renovations, the library is open for real history buffs who are curious about Indiana’s past. This vast collection features 1.6 million archival photographs, thousands of artifacts, and even old manuscripts that relay the history of the Old Northwest Territory. 800-447-1830, www.indianahistory.org
Yes, it’s true, Indianapolis is second only to Washington, D.C. in the number of war monuments and landmarks. Most locals consider Monument Circle an urban respite where they can picnic on the steps among commemorative statues and fountains. But what you may not know is that in the basement of the 284-foot Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument is the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum. www.in.gov/iwm
And from late May through July 4, the Indiana Historical Society puts on the popular Concerts on the Canal, a weekly free gathering on Canal Plaza. Check out the sounds of the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra, Broadway tunes and cabaret, culminating with the big Independence Day Bash featuring the Indianapolis Municipal Band. www.indianahistory.org
By Sarika Chawla for PeterGreenberg.com.
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