Your friends and family are coming to visit you in Indy this summer. Panic sets in—where do you eat? What’s an activity everyone will like? How do you make this a fun, memorable trip? We’ve been there! When you’re a local, it’s easy to get comfy in the city and stick to your favorites, but tons of new restaurants and experiences are popping up all over the city this summer. We’re here to break down where to relax, eat, and play, which will remind you why Indy is such a great place to live and visit.
Unique Eateries and Bars
Livery is one of our absolute favorite restaurants, and we go back any time we’ve got someone visiting or to celebrate a special event. You can never go wrong with any of their dishes (hello street corn and empanadas!), plus they just updated their cocktails. The rooftop deck is beautiful and transports you from a busy downtown street to somewhere secluded and peaceful.
If you’re looking for city views, head to Fountain Square for a rooftop view of Indy’s skyline at Rooftop Garden. It’s a huge outdoor space and a great spot to end the night. If you’re feeling adventurous, try their peanut butter and jelly shot – it’s delicious.
Five minutes from downtown Indy, you’ll find Guggman Haus, a brewery with a great patio, hearty German food, and local beer. Whether you spend an evening outside listening to live music or join them for trivia, it’s never a dull moment and the beer is some of the best in Indy.
Hotel Tango is another local favorite. Grab a delicious cocktail crafted with their own locally made spirits, or check out the fun pop-up events they always have going on, like Makers Markets. This is definitely a hotspot in Fountain Square.
Outdoor Concerts
Nothing says summer like jamming out at an outdoor concert venue. HI-FI in Fountain Square is known for highlighting local musicians and has a great, intimate venue right in the heart of the district. Another standout music venue in downtown Indy is Everwise Amphitheater in White River State Park. You can choose assigned seats or bring a blanket and chill on the lawn.
Mass Ave Highlights
From duckpin bowling to giant yard games to a cozy outdoor terrace, Pins is a local favorite in Bottleworks and a great spot to challenge your group to some games. Walking from place to place in the summer couldn’t be easier with the Cultural Trail–which connects throughout downtown, including Mass Ave. Take in the city life by walking the trail or grab a bike using the Pacers Bikeshare.
And nothing beats the heat like a sweet treat! It’s not unusual to see lines pouring out of Gordon’s Milkshake Bar every day. These handcrafted shakes also come in vegan and dairy-free options.
Gettin’ Sporty
Indy is THE up-and-coming sports capital of the Midwest and has so many options, especially in the summer. Cheer on the Indy Eleven pro soccer team, bring your pup to watch some baseball at the Indianapolis Indians’ Bark in the Park events, or catch Caitlin Clark making buckets with the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Check out the GameTime app for cheap, last-minute tickets, or score free tickets through Do317.
RELATED: 50 THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER IN INDIANAPOLIS
Here for the Action
Are you and your crew looking for an active adventure? There are plenty of options in the heart of Downtown. If you like an outdoor driving range experience that’s perfect all year in all weather, head to Back 9. You can play a variety of casual games with friends or join a league. They also have live music every Friday and Saturday.
Bring out your dangerous side and spend your staycation at Bad Axe Throwing. Nothing takes your stress away quite like chucking an axe at a target. Amp it up a notch by creating teams and challenging friends to different games.
One of the coolest experiences you can find in Indy is Sandbox VR at Bottleworks. Whether you want to fight zombies with your girlfriends or battle it out against your family, this experience is sure to bring everyone together in an immersive and interactive world.
Treat yourself
It wouldn’t be a staycation without taking time to relax and unwind. Get pampered at Woodhouse Spa where you and your group can enjoy facials, massages, and more in the Bottleworks district. Just down the street from the spa, you’ll find Penn & Beech Candle Co. You can shop some of their pre-made candles or make your own!
A staycation is all about rediscovering local gems, customizing your own “trip,” and sharing those experiences with visiting family and friends. Being close to home never looked so fun!
About Sippin’ Sangria
Caroline and Lexa are a traveling duo who have visited several local, U.S., and international destinations together. Through these adventures, they’ve learned the ins and outs of traveling with friends and love connecting with other female travelers. When they’re not booking their next flight, Lexa and Caroline plan trips – honeymoons, girlfriend getaways, weekend trips, etc.
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