Our Guide to Indianapolis, Indiana
Where we stay, eat, and go for the perfect quick getaway
Indianapolis has become one of our favorite easy getaway cities because it blends elevated dining, boutique hotels, and family-friendly experiences all within a short drive of each other. Whether we’re staying downtown for a night or making a weekend of it with the kids, we always end up rotating through a handful of places that feel consistently thoughtful, well-designed, and worth returning to. We’ve also tried plenty along the way that didn’t make the list, so this is a curated guide meant to save you the guesswork and point you straight to the spots we actually go back to. I’m sure we’ll continue adding to it as we discover more along the way.
Where We Stay
A beautifully restored historic property in the Bottleworks District with elevated design, walkable dining, and a true boutique feel that makes it our top stay in Indianapolis. It smells amazing and I’m obsessed with the bathroom design. *Photos are featured throughout this guide. (See our visit here).
An industrial-luxury hotel on the north side of the city with a strong restaurant scene and an atmosphere that feels both polished and unique. (See our visit here).
Both hotel are operated under Geronimo Hospitality, which is why we’re drawn to both—they share the same elevated boutique standard and thoughtful design approach, just with different personalities and highlights depending on the location.
Food & Drink
Our go-to coffee stop in the city for consistently great espresso and a clean, minimal atmosphere. They also have great breakfast sandwhiches!
Originally a private home, this space still carries a warm feel. It has a lived-in charm while still feeling refined and intentional. The menu leans into fresh, thoughtfully sourced ingredients with elevated American cuisine—seasonal dishes, well-balanced flavors, and a focus on quality over complexity. (See our visit here).
Bright, fresh, and beautifully designed with a breakfast menu that feels both healthy and satisfying. Great espresso! Our favorite location is on Mass Ave. (See our visit here).
This has to be our favorite dinner spots in the city—seasonal, creative, and always memorable. Get a reservation.(See our visit here).
A cozy, intimate spot known for its ever-changing seasonal menu and thoughtfully crafted dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients.
Places on our list to try:
Places to Go
Restoration Hardware Dehaan Estate
A beautifully designed space that feels like a hidden gem. It’s perfect for wandering, sipping on a drink, design inspiration, working, or a relaxed afternoon stop with friends. (See our visit here).
This is an indoor luxury shopping destination in Indy with high-end stores.
A modern, outdoor shopping center with restaurants, shops, and a walkable layout—very popular with families north of Indy (Fishers/Carmel area).
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
A must-visit if you’re in the city with kids—hands-on exhibits, incredible scale, and the kind of place they’ll talk about long after you leave. They have a new outdoor space that continues to blow my mind each time we visit.
We’re a little partial to the Fort Wayne Zoo, but this one still makes for a great, convenient day activity when you’re staying in the city.
Parks
Indianapolis has incredible options for outdoor spaces, and we naturally lean toward anything that makes it easy to be outside with the kids. The Carmel area is one we keep coming back to for its oversized, creative playgrounds and indoor play spaces that feel more like mini adventure parks. In and around Indianapolis, you’ll also find everything from scenic downtown green/walking spaces along the canal to larger nature parks and trails. Some of the more well-known outdoor areas include 100 Acres at Newfields, Holliday Park, Eagle Creek Park, Meadowlark Park, and Marrot Park.
Bonus Stops
Not necessarily “must-do” experiences for us personally, but great options if you’re visiting Indianapolis for the first time or want easy, low-effort activities built into your weekend.
A fun, social activity that’s easy for all ages or skill levels—whether you’re actually golfing or just going for a relaxed hangout vibe.
A surprisingly fun stop if you’ve never been.
It really does feel magical walking in, and it’s worth a visit for the experience alone. While the food and cake weren’t our personal favorites, the overall atmosphere is fun and memorable. It’s located in Carmel City Center, which makes it easy to pair with a walk around the surrounding upscale shops.
Signature Indianapolis Events Worth Planning For
Indianapolis Colts NFL Game (Lucas Oil Stadium)
Indiana Pacers NBA Game (Gainbridge Fieldhouse)
Indianapolis 500 (Indy 500 – Motor Speedway)
Monster Jam (Lucas Oil Stadium)
Supercross (Indoor Dirt Bike Racing – Lucas Oil Stadium)
Disney on Ice (Gainbridge Fieldhouse)
Ruoff Music Center Concerts (summer amphitheater shows at Noblesville)
Brickyard / Motor Speedway Events (NASCAR + racing weekends)
We’re passionate about sharing our real food recipes, family lifestyle, and unforgettable travel and dining experiences that inspire us.
If you haven’t joined us on YouTube yet, we’d love for you to subscribe and follow along as we share more of our adventures, favorite finds, and everyday moments.
Eden & Caleb
