Indianapolis is a city that defies expectations, where the unassuming Midwestern façade gives way to a vibrant food scene and warm hospitality. The author's recent trip, which included a surprise return for their fifth wedding anniversary, was a testament to this city's charms.
The author's decision to rent a car instead of relying on rideshares proved to be a wise one, allowing them to explore the city's many neighborhoods and riverfront attractions with ease. Their choice of vehicle, a 2025 Kia Seltos, provided the perfect blend of comfort and practicality for their week-long adventure.
One of the highlights of the trip was staying at the Ironworks Hotel, a luxurious boutique hotel that exceeded all expectations. The hotel's industrial-chic decor, complete with exposed pipes and dark teal walls, created a unique and memorable atmosphere. The author raved about the excellent customer service, generous rooms, and comfortable beds, making it an ideal base for their explorations.
From Loudmouth Books to Wild Eye Dab Lounge, the author discovered many hidden gems in Indianapolis. Loudmouth Books, a bookstore that proudly champions banned books and marginalized authors, was a highlight of the trip, offering a welcoming space for readers to discover new voices. The author also enjoyed an unforgettable gondola ride with Old World Gondoliers, taking in the stunning views of the canal and enjoying a romantic atmosphere.
A visit to the Indianapolis Zoo was another memorable experience, as the author got to bathe an elephant in the zoo's dedicated bathing area. This unique experience allowed them to interact with the majestic animal up close, making it a truly magical moment.
The author also enjoyed exploring the city's culinary scene, from Vida to His Place Eatery and Iozzo's Garden of Italy. Vida offered a delightful four-course prix fixe menu, showcasing the kitchen's expressive flavors, while Iozzo's Garden of Italy transported them back in time with its classic Italian-American dishes.
Other highlights included a visit to Borage Cafe, Bakery, and Market for their exceptional breakfast options, as well as a sushi experience at Hasuno that exceeded expectations. The author also celebrated their anniversary at Anthony's Chophouse, where they enjoyed an exquisite meal featuring USDA Prime, grass-fed beef, and Australian Wagyu.
Throughout the trip, the author discovered many more hidden gems in Indianapolis, from Flower Boys' flower arranging workshops to Frank's Paddlesports Livery's kayak rentals. These experiences not only showcased the city's natural beauty but also provided a glimpse into its creative and adventurous side.
In the end, the author returned home with a newfound appreciation for this Midwestern city and its many charms. Indianapolis proved to be a city that rewards lingering, where the pleasure of eating is just one part of the experience.
The author's decision to rent a car instead of relying on rideshares proved to be a wise one, allowing them to explore the city's many neighborhoods and riverfront attractions with ease. Their choice of vehicle, a 2025 Kia Seltos, provided the perfect blend of comfort and practicality for their week-long adventure.
One of the highlights of the trip was staying at the Ironworks Hotel, a luxurious boutique hotel that exceeded all expectations. The hotel's industrial-chic decor, complete with exposed pipes and dark teal walls, created a unique and memorable atmosphere. The author raved about the excellent customer service, generous rooms, and comfortable beds, making it an ideal base for their explorations.
From Loudmouth Books to Wild Eye Dab Lounge, the author discovered many hidden gems in Indianapolis. Loudmouth Books, a bookstore that proudly champions banned books and marginalized authors, was a highlight of the trip, offering a welcoming space for readers to discover new voices. The author also enjoyed an unforgettable gondola ride with Old World Gondoliers, taking in the stunning views of the canal and enjoying a romantic atmosphere.
A visit to the Indianapolis Zoo was another memorable experience, as the author got to bathe an elephant in the zoo's dedicated bathing area. This unique experience allowed them to interact with the majestic animal up close, making it a truly magical moment.
The author also enjoyed exploring the city's culinary scene, from Vida to His Place Eatery and Iozzo's Garden of Italy. Vida offered a delightful four-course prix fixe menu, showcasing the kitchen's expressive flavors, while Iozzo's Garden of Italy transported them back in time with its classic Italian-American dishes.
Other highlights included a visit to Borage Cafe, Bakery, and Market for their exceptional breakfast options, as well as a sushi experience at Hasuno that exceeded expectations. The author also celebrated their anniversary at Anthony's Chophouse, where they enjoyed an exquisite meal featuring USDA Prime, grass-fed beef, and Australian Wagyu.
Throughout the trip, the author discovered many more hidden gems in Indianapolis, from Flower Boys' flower arranging workshops to Frank's Paddlesports Livery's kayak rentals. These experiences not only showcased the city's natural beauty but also provided a glimpse into its creative and adventurous side.
In the end, the author returned home with a newfound appreciation for this Midwestern city and its many charms. Indianapolis proved to be a city that rewards lingering, where the pleasure of eating is just one part of the experience.
, I mean, who needs the freedom to roam whenever they want when you can just sit in traffic for hours? And don't even get me started on the Kia Seltos - it's so boring 
, I mean, where's the style? Where's the excitement?
, it sounds like the ultimate luxurious getaway. And I'm totally down for trying Loudmouth Books and Wild Eye Dab Lounge - who doesn't love a good book or a weird bar? 
, but at the same time, why would anyone want to get all wet and muddy in front of an elephant 
? I mean, that's just crazy talk.
the USD prime & Aussie wagyu tho is giving me major food envy lol 
also ironworks hotel seems like an amazing place to stay, industrial chic decor is everything 
but what really stood out was the gondola ride with old world gondoliers 
those views of the canal must've been breathtaking!!!
, can't say I've seen any real-world benefits from renting a fancy vehicle with built-in safety features and whatnot. and don't even get me started on these gondola rides 
they're literally doing so much good for marginalized authors and i'm here for it. i need to plan a trip back to indy ASAP! 
so i think what made indianapolis really special was how it balanced all these different vibes - you had your industrial-chic hotels like ironworks, and then your cozy bookstores like loudmouth books 
and your outdoor spaces like the canal 
. and honestly, the food scene is just wow! i mean, vida's prix fixe menu was like a party on my plate 
.
but at the same time I'm pretty certain it's actually, like, one of the best hotels in all of Indianapolis 
I mean, who wouldn't want to stay in a place with exposed pipes and dark teal walls? It sounds so... industrial chic? But on the other hand, isn't that kinda weird for a hotel? 
And what about the gondola ride? Wasn't that just, like, a total tourist trap? I mean, who needs to pay to watch an old guy rowing around a canal? 
) and culinary adventures. And let's talk about those hidden gems - Loudmouth Books is everything! 
. But honestly, it's the little things like discoverin' Borage Cafe or gettin' up close with an elephant 
The way the author got to explore all these hidden gems, from Loudmouth Books to Old World Gondoliers, it's like they're giving us a whole new perspective on this city 
. And can we talk about that gondola ride?! 
their industrial-chic decor is on point! 
. If you haven't been to Indy yet, def add it to your bucket list, trust me 
their gondola ride experience sounds like something out of a movie 
hasuno's sushi is calling my name 
! Industrial-chic decor? Who comes up with this stuff? 
it's like they're saying the city has a super chill vibe and is all about that foodie life 
i feel like indy is just one of those cities where you can find something for everyone whether it's food, culture or outdoor adventures and that's what makes it so special 
I'm loving the 2025 Kia Seltos they rented in Indy - it's like the perfect car for adventurous souls! 
The city's got this chill, Midwestern feel that's so infectious... I need to go back ASAP! 
. and can we talk about the indianapolis zoo? we got to bathe an elephant! 
️ I was lovingly surprised by how much you fell in love with Indy! 
The food scene is seriously on point & the people are super friendly 
. And who can forget that elephant bath? 
. Like, I'm all for good eats, but some of these places sound kinda overpriced 
. Still, if you're a foodie, Indy might be worth a visit. Just don't rent a Kia Seltos with your anniversary trip... unless it's like, the best rental car ever, obvs 
. The industrial-chic decor and comfy beds are major win in my book. I’d wanna try out Loudmouth Books too - a bookstore for banned books? That’s so cool!