An Indy Getaway

View of the capital in downtown Indianapolis, from near our hotel

The DH and I spent a very fun weekend in downtown Indianapolis. Did you know that within the heart of downtown, Indy has both a state park and a canal district, connected and easily walkable? The White River State Park is home to several museums and the zoo and botanical gardens.

We started the morning at the zoo. It was cold and rainy. I was grateful for my jacket and umbrella, and even added a pair of leggings under my skirt! The zoo, though small, has done a nice job of allowing a view of the sea animals both above and below the waterline.

For lunch, we walked downtown to the Tea Cozy and enjoyed the Saturday brunch menu. I had a delicious chocolate chip pancake and some of the best-ever fried potatoes (clearly homemade - not the frozen kind). We then returned to the zoo via the canal walk and spent the afternoon in the botanical garden. This included a butterfly garden, conservatory and lovely outdoor gardens. It was a place where I could return to often.

Brilliant blue butterfly in the corner

Conservatory

Canal

View of the White River and downtown, from botanical garden

We caught a movie that evening (the Alps) at the IMAX in the Indiana State Museum, and finished off with a tasty dinner at the Creation Cafe, at the start of the canal near the Clarian health complex.

We spent Sunday morning going for a run through the streets of downtown, taking a good look at the Soldiers' & Sailors' monument. Then we hit Einstein Bagels and the Chocolate Cafe.

I highly recommend a weekend getaway to downtown Indianapolis! There is much to see and do. If you go, I suggest spending the extra cash to stay within walking distance of the White River and canal district. You wouldn't even need to pay for any other entertainment! Just enjoy the walk and views. We stayed at the Marriott Courtyard Capital and appreciated its location, just steps from the canal, a few blocks from the capital building, and about a 25-minute walk from the White River state park.

Taken from http://stephcupoftea.blogspot.com/