From the powerhouse NFL Colts on the gridiron to the politicos in the capital building, Indianapolis pulses with a love of friendly competition. Every May, the most famous annual contest here propels an Indy 500 driver to chug milk in Victory Lane. Chalk up another accolade to the Circle City, with the anticipated 2020 opening of its first Kimpton hotel in a historic building downtown, also featuring the city’s first rooftop bar.
Indianapolis: A big city atmosphere full of small town charm.
The boutique hotel featuring 130 guest rooms continues Kimpton’s expertise in historic conversions. The Odd Fellows building housed a once-popular fraternal organization and was the city’s tallest building at its completion in 1908. Its marble interior will get a chance to shine once more when the hotel opens with a lively restaurant, and meeting and event space for travelers and locals alike.
Indianapolis is a city like no other: Midwestern in geography and genuine hospitality, Eastern coastal in bustle and growth; big-city in its entrepreneurial attraction for hometowners and newcomers alike, small-town in its warmth and ease of living. Among the highlights:
- A vibrant downtown that comfortably welcomes major corporations, state government, a thriving urban farmers’/makers’ market, major sports teams, and an esoteric museum devoted to musical percussion – The Rhythm Discovery Center
- Walkable center-city destinations like the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and countless restaurants, bars, clubs, and breweries, including the world-famous St. Elmo Steak House
The Eiteljorg Museum’s exterior is a popular gathering spot and concert venue during the summer months. (Photo credit: Zach Malmgren)
- The Children’s Museum (world’s largest, and great for all ages) and the Indianapolis Museum of Art, with a stunning permanent collection
- Fields and courts for just about any sport a fan could want: triple-A baseball, NFL, NBA/WNBA, college hoops, golf, cycling, and oh yes, the world’s largest single-day sporting event, the Indy 500 race
The race is on at the Indy 500. (Photo credit: Jason Porter)
- Downtown Canal and Cultural Trail, just two of the ways Indy enjoys the outdoors: you can take a leisurely gondola ride or surrey bike along the canal through White River State Park, or hit the Cultural Trail on foot or bicycle to be connected to several core neighborhoods and miles of urban greenway
Enjoy the outdoors with a visit to Indy’s Downtown Canal. (Photo credit: Lavengood Photography)
- Monument Circle, Indy’s crowning jewel and the origin of the “Circle City” moniker, where the 284-foot Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument dominates the skyline, and the people gathered around evoke a European promenade vibe
The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument is the first memorial to the common soldier in the US.
- A lively blues/jazz music scene that’s home to the venerable Slippery Noodle club, hole-in-the-wall Chatterbox Jazz Club, and Jazz Kitchen, which pairs top-tier talent with great food
- Fun and funky neighborhoods from Fountain Square (check out duckpin bowling and the New Day Craft for the best mead you’ll ever taste) to arty Broad Ripple, and drive-worthy suburbs like Carmel (home to an outstanding performing arts center) and Zionsville (cobblestone Main Street and the organic Traders Point Creamery are among the must-visits)
Flavorful ciders and fruit meads will redefine your perceptions of the spirit at New Day Craft. (Photo credit: New Day Craft)
- And all the off-the-beaten-path gems waiting to be explored, from the White Rabbit Cabaret to Tappers Arcade Bar. Mass Ave Toys has both potato guns and paper dolls available, so no need to go home without a souvenir for the kids.
Native son Kurt Vonnegut once said, “I don’t know what it is about Hoosiers, but wherever you go, there is always a Hoosier doing something very important there.” See what they’re up to for yourself when you plan your Indy adventure!
— Amanda Doyle
When is the hotel scheduled to be open? I’d be interested in around August 2020
When is the Indianapolis Kimpton scheduled to open in 2020?