Indianapolis has a population of approximately 741,300 and is the capital city of Indiana, a state known for its love affair with basketball. This love affair was immortalized in one of the greatest sports films of all time, Hoosiers. However, Indianapolis’s claim to fame has more to do with racing than basketball. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is home to the most legendary racing event in America, the Indianapolis 500. There is also a NASCAR race that takes place at the famous Indy racetrack called the Brickyard 400 and the event draws hundreds of fans and tourists to the racetrack every year. However, sports is not all that Indianapolis is about as the city is a cultural Mecca of the United States and has some of the best places to stay, eat, and drink in the Midwest.

Climate

Those who visit Indianapolis should expect a mild climate with highs that generally reach only the mid-80s during the months of June, July, and August. Lows during those same moths hover around the mid-60s while the coldest month of the year is January which has an average low of 18 degrees and an average high of 35 degrees.

Culture

The Museum of Art, the Indianapolis Zoo, and the RCA Dome are all popular tourist attractions in Indianapolis as is the Canal Walk which offers a nature experience to visitors as they pass through lush gardens. Circle Center is located in downtown Indianapolis and is considered the cultural heart of the city and many shops and eating places can be found there. For those looking for a more unusual site to visit, the Indianapolis water clock is the place to go. This odd clock holds 70 gallons of water. Those interested in music history can visit the site of Elvis’s last performance which took place in Indianapolis in 1977.

Fun Facts

Indianapolis is the birthplace of insulin, Crest toothpaste, Van Camp’s Pork and Beans and is the final resting place of outlaw John Dillinger.

Great Food

One of the best places to eat in Indianapolis is the Majestic which specializes in oyster dinners. The setting is upscale and the service is reported to be excellent. Other seafood dishes such as swordfish, stuffed grouper, and baked crab-stuffed shrimp are also recommended as some of the restaurants best dishes.